Clenbuterol (Clen)

Clenbuterol, marketed as Dilaterol, is categorized as both a sympathomimetic amine and a beta2 agonist.   Medically, it is available mostly in the hydrochloride version to treat breathing issues like asthma.  However, it is most commonly used in the United States off-label by those in fitness or those who are looking to burn body fat.

Chapter 1. History

Contrary to popular belief, It was never actually approved in the United States by their FDA (food and drug administration).  Clenbuterol (Clen) is only approved in certain countries for breathing disorders.  Those countries are in Asia and Europe, and it is a prescribed drug to help with airflow, breathing problems, and especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).   In the United States, there are much more effective drugs that doctors are prescribing for these symptoms. Therefore, there was never any need to approve it.

Chapter 2. Doping

Athletes started doping with Clenbuterol (Clen) during the 1990’s and the International Olympic Committee ended up banning it.  All major sports leagues and federations also have it banned. So athletes caught using it will endure fines and suspensions just like they would for anabolic steroids. One of the most famous screwups was when sprinter Katrin Krabbe was caught using it ahead of the 1992 Olympics and banned for 3 years.  There have also been other athletes in sports like weight training, boxing, and swimming who have been caught.

Chapter 3. Non-medical uses

Since the major bodybuilder competitions do not test for drugs or steroids, Clenbuterol (Clen) became a popular cutting drug ahead of contests. (More on this later)

Celebrities caught on to it and word of mouth spread especially when Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan (both young performers) used it.  It was considered the “Hollywood Secret” miracle fat loss drug and many of their fans started copy-catting their use.  This also was reinforced overseas when ‘Spice Girl’ Victoria Beckham, ironically the wife of one of the best soccer players of all time David Beckham, came forward and said she used it to get leaner.

Chapter 4. Animal uses

Clenbuterol (Clen) is used sporadically in horse racing so they can breathe easier.  It also is given to animals to keep them lean in countries with lax regulations.  There have been a handful of athletes who have traveled to other countries, eaten the meat there, and have been busted for having traces show up in their doping tests.

Chapter 5. The science behind Clen

Section 1. An Adrenaline Rush

Clenbuterol (Clen) works like albuterol and epinephrine, in that it causes a rise in blood pressure, oxygen transportation, and aerobic capacity.  It stimulates the central nervous system to speed up, activating the body and causing something similar to an adrenaline rush, because it increases the metabolic rate.

Section 2. A Short Boost

Those who are in fast-twitch sports like short distance sprinting, swimming or 3 round boxing can benefit due to the short-term boost.  But I would not recommend those who are in long-distance endurance sports to use it.

Section 3. x3 Fat Burning

For people looking to burn fat, it helps because it will cause you to exercise less, to achieve the same boost in heart rate and sweating.  This results in more calories burned in less amount of time.  I would estimate a 10 minute light jog would burn the same calories as a 30-minute one when you have Clenbuterol (Clen) in your system.  Interestingly, even on days when you don’t exercise you will experience a metabolic increase and have a hard time sitting still, this will lead to fat burn even while you sit at your office job.

Section 4. Anabolic too?

Finally, it is important to note that some self-proclaimed gurus will claim Clenbuterol (Clen) is anabolic.  This is not true, and you should not use it as a muscle gaining drug.

Chapter 6. Half-life

One of the interesting things about Clenbuterol (Clen) is its long half-life, which is a whopping 32 hours.  This means it will be in your system for days after discontinuing use.

Chapter 7. How to use

Clenbuterol (Clen) can be dangerous if used improperly.

Section 1. For Fat Burning

For those looking to burn fat, you should start off using 40-60mcg per day as a male then adjusting the dosage up in 20mcg increments every few days until the side effects become too much.  Then consider dropping the dosage down a bit and then staying at that level for 2 weeks.  Women can run the same protocol except they can use half that starting dosage.  In my experience, anything exceeding 120mgs per day is too much.

Section 2. For Metabolism Boosting

For those who want a boost in adrenaline and metabolism during their workouts or sprinting/swimming, start out with a tiny dosage of 20mcg a day and gradually work your way up, not exceeding 60mcgs a day.  Less is better if this is your goal. In fact, a lot of users report lots of sweating and thermogenic effects at only 40mcg a day.

Section 3. Tips For Safe Cycling

The safest length of your cycle should be 2 weeks on, then take 2 weeks off. And re-assess what you want to do from there.  You should not use it during post cycle therapy. However, it is useful when stacked with anabolic steroids to prevent any muscle loss.

Chapter 8. Side effects

Clenbuterol (Clen) side effects can be brutal enough where you may never want to run it again. The problem is people run it incorrectly by overdosing it.  Remember, it has a very long half life. Therefore, if you run too much and get too impatient, the side effects will punish you. Plus they won’t go away for several days.

Away from your workouts users complain about jitteriness, shaking, insomnia, heartburn, and impatience.  During workouts, the main complaints are dehydration, high heart rate, sweating, and fatigue.

Chapter 9. How to buy Clenbuterol

You cannot buy Clenbuterol (Clen) legally over the counter.  Many research chemical companies do sell it for non-human use in liquid form.  There is plenty of it available in tablet form on the black market via steroid dealers.  It is not an expensive drug and most sources do carry it.