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If you’re an athlete or a bodybuilder, you may have heard of clenbuterol. This drug is widely used by bodybuilders as a weight-loss supplement, although it’s not FDA-approved for humans. If you live outside of the United States, you can get a prescription for clenbuterol from your doctor to treat bronchial asthma. Read on to find the answers to your frequently asked questions about clenbuterol.
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Question 1 of 7:
What is clenbuterol used for?
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In the United States, it’s used to treat airway obstructions in horses. Clenbuterol is not approved for human consumption within the United States. It’s only used on horses and sometimes cattle to treat infections and asthma. [1] X Research source
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Outside of the United States, it can treat bronchial asthma. You can usually find it in liquid or pill form. You must have a doctor’s prescription for it. [2] X Trustworthy Source U.S. National Capital Poison Center Independent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save lives Go to sourceAdvertisement
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It’s often used in bodybuilding circles for weight loss. Some people use clenbuterol to burn fat and gain muscle mass. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source It works similarly to anabolic steroids, although it is not the same kind of drug. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Question 2 of 7:
Do you need a prescription for clenbuterol?
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Yes, you need a prescription from a medical professional. If you live outside the U.S., your doctor may prescribe it for asthma or a related condition. [5] X Research source Your doctor will work with you to determine a safe and effective dose to treat your condition.
- A prescription for any other use, such as weight loss, would be considered “off-label.” [6] X Research source
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You can’t get a prescription for clenbuterol in the United States. Clenbuterol isn’t approved by the FDA for human use in the U.S. [7] X Research source That means your doctor most likely can’t prescribe it to you legally. FDA-unapproved drugs can only be prescribed under certain special circumstances. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
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Some people use clenbuterol without a prescription for weight loss. Clenbuterol isn’t a controlled substance, which means that it’s not technically illegal to use it without a prescription. [9] X Research source People who want to use it for bodybuilding or weight loss typically buy it online, where it is sold in syrup, tablet, or injectable form. [10] X Trustworthy Source U.S. National Capital Poison Center Independent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save lives Go to source
- The most easily available forms of clenbuterol are formulated for use in livestock. However, some websites illegally sell prescription clenbuterol made for human use.
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Question 3 of 7:
How much clenbuterol should I take a day?
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The typical dose for weight loss is 120-160 mcg per day. When athletes use clenbuterol to burn fat, they usually start at a low dose of 40 mcg and gradually increase to 120-160 mcg over a 2 to 4-week period. [11] X Research source
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Follow your doctor’s instructions if you’re taking it for asthma. The usual dose range for treating asthma in humans is 20-40 mcg per day. [12] X Research source If you have a prescription for clenbuterol, ask your doctor or pharmacist how much of it you should take, and how often.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications, since they could interact with clenbuterol. [13] X Research source
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Question 4 of 7:
What are the side effects of clenbuterol?
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Some people report muscle spasms and agitation. This is especially true if you take too much clenbuterol. You might also have overactive reflexes and heightened anxiety. [14] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
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Other side effects include rapid heart rate and chest pain. One study reports that someone even had a heart attack because they took too much clenbuterol. If you feel any tightness in your chest or you can’t lower your resting heart rate, head to the emergency room right away. [15] X Trustworthy Source U.S. National Capital Poison Center Independent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save lives Go to source
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You may also have nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Gastrointestinal problems are common in people who abuse clenbuterol or take it for bodybuilding or weight-loss purposes. [16] X Research source People who are exposed to high doses of clenbuterol also sometimes report flu-like symptoms, like a fever or chills. [17] X Research source
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Warnings
- Note that therapeutic drugs containing clenbuterol in the United States are not sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration. [22] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ https://www.poison.org/articles/clenbuterol-unapproved-and-unsafe-201
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550246/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7476054/
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12991
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/enforcement-activities-fda/unapproved-drugs
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ https://www.poison.org/articles/clenbuterol-unapproved-and-unsafe-201
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12991
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12991
- ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Clenbuterol
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878540913001011
- ↑ https://www.poison.org/articles/clenbuterol-unapproved-and-unsafe-201
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12991
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878540913001011
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12991
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ http://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/prohibited_list_2018_en.pdf
- ↑ https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2002-02-15/fda-warns-compounding-clenbuterol-illegal
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To take Clenbuterol, first talk to your doctor to get a prescription. Once you’ve been prescribed the drug, start with the dose recommended by your doctor, which is usually about 20 micrograms. If your doctor allows it, increase your dosage by 20 micrograms every day for the first week, which will allow your body to adapt to the drug. Just keep in mind that you may experience some side effects like jitters, heart palpitations, or cramps. If your side effects are really uncomfortable, stop taking the Clenbuterol and talk to your doctor. After the first week, decrease your dose by 20 micrograms every day for the second week. Once the second week is over you’ll want to take 2 weeks off before starting another cycle, which will give your body time to rest. To learn how to prevent common side effects while taking Clenbuterol, read on!
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