It belongs to the class of b2 stimulants and it is sympathomimetic with adrenergic action.
It is used for asthma due to its ability to induce bronchodilation.
This results in increased oxygen consumption (VO2max) by the tissues, which increases the combustions and the performance.
It also causes positive inotropic effect on the cardiac muscle-myocardium, with tachycardia, increased blood pressure, rapid breathing-respiration, sweating, hand tremors, insomnia, and restlessness.
Its complications – side effects include ischemic attacks with the appearance of angina pectoris (ischemic effect) as a result of vasoconstriction.
Also arrhythmia, with the appearance of atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Fibrillation is a form of cardiac arrhythmia, which in extreme cases can transform into ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest.
Furthermore, intense sweating causes dehydration and hypokalemia (drop in potassium levels), causing muscle spasms – cramps.
It also has a cardiotoxic effect on the myocardium, with necrotic effects-scar tissue.
Its ability to oxidize and catabolise fat is impressive, especially when combined with thyroxine (T4), or triodothyronine (T3).
Its chronic abuse – due to the increase of the diastolic pressure – may lead to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of myocardium.
The disadvantage of clenbuterol’s use is the fast saturation of the receptors.
This is why, its administration should not be continuous, but ceased every two days (48hrs) and afterwards the dose should be increased by half, until one can get the desired results. The maximum safety dosage should not exceed 80mg daily.
Its half-life reaches approximately around 36 hours, while it can be detected even up to five days after one has quit from using it.
Another way to unblock the saturation of the receptors is the use of a substance named ketotifen (medically prescribed and administrated for allergic rhinitis – asthma).
Clenbuterol HCL is available either in tablet, or in liquid (syrup) form.
Recently, it was released in injectable form, administrated subcutaneously.
It is advised to avoid taking it after noon, because it causes insomnia.
Clenbuterol is occasionally used during post cycle therapy (PCT), in order to keep our metabolic rate high, when the androgens clear the system and fat oxidation drops dramatically.
Also, clenbuterol hydrochloride has a positive effect on the increase of thyroxin’s levels and thyroid gland metabolism.
Finally, by inhibiting the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), it helps reducing the catabolic cortisol during a PCT.
An alternative to clenbuterol is the substance salbutamol (b2 – stimulant), that comes in spray form and is ideal just before a sports activity, or even before getting on stage.
It is more effective for asthmatic crises, since it acts locally on bronchi receptors.
It has a faster half life though.