Clenbuterol is not an anabolic steroid, but rather a stimulant that belongs to a classification of compounds known as sympathomimetics. This classification (or ‘family’) contains other compounds that the average person might be more familiar with, such as: caffeine, ephedrine, albuterol, amphetamines, cocaine, and many others. It is indeed quite a broad drug category, and each of the compounds in this family are related to each other, and more or less carry many similarities and operate in a similar manner through similar pathways.
Clenbuterol’s effect on the nervous system involves its interaction with adrenoreceptors, which are located in many different tissues and cell types in the body. When Clenbuterol binds to these adrenoreceptors, different effects in different tissue types (depending on the tissues stimulated) will manifest. One effect in particular that we are concerned with is Clenbuterol’s effect in adipose (fat) tissue.
Clenbuterol is most commonly utilized in cutting, pre-contest, and fat loss cycles. It is very rarely utilized during the off-season or during bulking phases. Some small fraction of Clenbuterol users might elect to use it during bulking phases in a (mostly vain) attempt to stave off fat gain during a bulking period where caloric consumption is much higher than usual, and normally above basal metabolic levels.
Clenbuterol is a substituted phenylaminoethanol that has beta-2 adrenomimetic properties at very low doses. It is used as a bronchodilator in asthma. Although approved for use in some countries, as of fall, 2006, clenbuterol is not an ingredient of any therapeutic drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In order to achieve any significant amount of fat loss, the peak Clenbuterol dosage that individuals should eventually titrate up to should be 120 – 160mcg per day. Females may be able to only tolerate less, in the range of 80 – 100mcg per day.
One important point of note is that through continued consistent use, Clenbuterol will downregulate beta-2 receptors in the body in response to its stimulation of those receptors[2], and it occurs very quickly. The manifestation of this effect is diminished fat loss during use until the fat loss reaches a complete stop. There are two methods of remedying this effect. The first is to introduce time off from use of the drug (2 weeks minimum).
The second is through the use of Ketotifen Fumarate, an anti-histamine drug that is known for upregulating beta-2 receptors[3]. Benadryl has been rumored to have the same effects as Ketotifen Fumarate on beta-2 receptors, but this has found to be simply untrue because although Benadryl is an antihistamine like Ketotifen, it operates on a very different pathway.
Clenbuterol is a Beta(2) agonist similar in some structural respects to salbutamol. Agonism of the beta(2) receptor stimulates adenylyl cyclase activity which ultimately leads to downstream effects of smooth muscle relaxation in the bronchioles.
Clenbuterol is most commonly utilized in cutting, pre-contest, and fat loss cycles. It is very rarely utilized during the off-season or during bulking phases. Some small fraction of Clenbuterol users might elect to use it during bulking phases in a (mostly vain) attempt to stave off fat gain during a bulking period where caloric consumption is much higher than usual, and normally above basal metabolic levels.
The truth of the matter here is that those who elect to do this are essentially wasting time and money, as the mechanics of Clenbuterol do not even provide for this effect. As previously explained, Clen is responsible for binding to receptors on fat cells and initiating lipolysis, which is the process of the release of triglycerides stored in fat cells into the blood stream as free fatty acids. These free fatty acids then circulate around the bloodstream throughout the body, and they must undergo the second stage of fat loss: fatty acid oxidation. This means the fatty acids must be shuttled into cells and into the mitochondria to be ‘burned’ off, which cannot occur in any significant amount if caloric consumption is too high.
Metabolism: In order to achieve any significant amount of fat loss, the peak Clenbuterol dosage that individuals should eventually titrate up to should be 120 – 160mcg per day. Females may be able to only tolerate less, in the range of 80 – 100mcg per day.
Absorption: Well absorbed following parenteral administration.
Route of elimination: Urinary excretion
Half life: Clenbuterol exhibits a half-life of approximately 37 hours, so all Clenbuterol dosages should ideally be consumed at once in the morning. There is no requirement to spread the Clenbuterol dosages throughout the day, and this would in fact cause worse insomnia and sleep disturbances.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Some medical conditions may interact with Clenbuterol.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
The most unique of Clenbuterol side effects is the commonly reported side effect of muscle cramping.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
