How to use Clenbuterol – functions as a β2-adrenoceptor agonist and acts as a bronchodilator, primarily used to manage various respiratory issues, such as inflammatory airway disease (IAD) and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).
It’s recognized for its effectiveness in treating asthma and has been a legally prescribed drug for this purpose in various countries since 1977 (although not in the United States).
Studies have shown that clenbuterol exhibits potent anabolic effects in animals, notably enhancing muscle mass while concurrently decreasing fat stores (1).
This has prompted bodybuilders to acquire clenbuterol via illicit means, incorporating it into their cutting routines along with other fat-burning steroids.
It’s also been noted that many Hollywood celebrities use clenbuterol to drastically change their physique in brief periods.
However, our findings suggest that clenbuterol’s influence on humans differs from its effect on animals. While its fat-reduction capability is clear, the extent of its muscle-building effect in humans is debatable.
Some clenbuterol users report a lack of anabolic effects, while others strongly believe in its potential to build lean muscle mass.
The reality likely falls somewhere in between—clenbuterol may possess anabolic qualities, but not to the same magnitude as anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Therefore, clenbuterol might assist bodybuilders in maintaining muscle during a cut, but significant gains in muscle size and strength seem improbable based on our experience. This suggests a more anti-catabolic than anabolic action.
Clenbuterol is typically ingested orally but is also offered in syrup and injectable forms.
Clenbuterol Benefits
- Promotion of Fat Loss
- Enhanced Circulation
- Boosted Energy Levels
- Suppression of Appetite
- Diuretic Effect
- No Testosterone Suppression
Promotion of Fat Loss
Clenbuterol stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), leading to an increased release of adrenaline and a body temperature rise of up to 1 degree.
To maintain internal balance, the body activates its sweat glands to cool down, thus increasing total caloric burn and spiking the basal metabolic rate.
As a result, users may find themselves burning more calories at rest than normal, facilitating fat loss through a heightened metabolism when in a caloric deficit.
Besides, clenbuterol directly promotes fat loss by speeding up the breakdown of triglycerides into free fatty acids, akin to other beta-2 agonists.
Enhanced Circulation
Clenbuterol boosts adrenaline, triggering the body’s fight or flight response, which as a survival mechanism improves blood circulation.
Increased circulation has been observed to enhance muscular endurance, allowing bodybuilders to perform more repetitions in less time.
Note: Endurance may be compromised if the user experiences excessive increases in blood pressure or heart rate, so the impact of clenbuterol on endurance can vary from person to person.
Better blood supply to muscles also leads to more prominent muscle pumps.
Bigger pumps and a higher volume of work could indirectly contribute to muscle growth by stretching the muscle fascia—a connective tissue that can inhibit muscle expansion if too tight.
Enhanced pumps from clenbuterol may aid in making the fascia more pliable, potentially facilitating muscle hypertrophy by reducing this resistance.
Users have also shared experiences of faster post-exercise recovery and a reduced need for sleep.
Note: Long-term activation of fight or flight mode may result in high cortisol levels and vasoconstriction, impairing blood circulation and leading to increased fatigue, which might occur in the later phases of a clenbuterol cycle after the initial rise in blood flow.
Boosted Energy Levels
Stimulants are common in pre-workout supplements for the intense energy they impart, much owed to ingredients like caffeine which excite the central nervous system.
As a powerful stimulant, clenbuterol surpasses typical pre-workout formulations, substantially elevating energy levels.
However, post-stimulation energy dips are common, which may lead to a dependency on clenbuterol for maintaining high energy.
The increased energy from clenbuterol could also (indirectly) enhance fat burning by allowing for longer, more intense workout sessions.
Suppression of Appetite
Clenbuterol’s activation of beta 2-adrenergic receptors can also impact a person’s feeling of fullness.
Users typically report reduced hunger throughout the day, even when their calorie expenditure is higher.
Indirect Assistance for Fat Loss
The influence of this substance may lead to an indirect enhancement in fat loss as individuals are less prone to succumb to the temptation of overindulging in their preferred calorie-dense treats.
For those who find adherence to a diet challenging, the sensation of satiety extended over longer durations when on clenbuterol naturally leads to the consumption of smaller food portions.
Diuretic Properties
Clenbuterol’s capabilities extend beyond mere fat reduction; it also acts as a diuretic, eliminating extracellular water. This delivers a more defined, muscular appearance.
The sweating induced by clenbuterol is considered responsible for its diuretic effect.
Consequently, maintaining hydration is critical when on clen, to counteract sodium loss through sweat, which could otherwise provoke dehydration and muscle cramps.
Note that the water loss experienced while on clenbuterol is temporary and will be regained once the cycle ends.
Preservation of Testosterone Levels
A common adverse effect seen with the use of anabolic steroids is the suppression of natural testosterone production.
It can often take a substantial duration—weeks to months—for one’s innate testosterone levels to rebound following a steroid course.
Conversely, clenbuterol does not affect testosterone levels and thus eliminates the need for post-cycle therapy (PCT) and concerns over loss of results due to testosterone suppression.
Clenbuterol Side Effects
- Heightened heart rate (palpitations)
- Anxiety (tremors)
- Sleeplessness
Increased Heart Rate
Clenbuterol stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an abnormal rise in basal heart rate.
Dr. Grant Fourie has observed instances where clenbuterol use has led to heart rates reaching 180 beats per minute.
Cases have been reported where long-term clenbuterol use has resulted in chronic atrial fibrillation, an erratic heartbeat pattern caused by lasting damage to the heart muscle.
Hence, clenbuterol poses a significant risk for those with pre-existing heart conditions or elevated blood pressure.
Anxiety
Increased anxiety is frequently associated with clenbuterol usage due to its effect on inducing a fight or flight response. Excessive stimulation of the central nervous system may lead to elevated stress and negative impacts on mental wellbeing.
Anxiety can also heighten with heart palpitations, as individuals might fear they are experiencing a cardiac event.
Using a sedative can help soothe the central nervous system and alleviate anxiety. However, this may also diminish the thermogenic effect of clenbuterol, thus impeding fat loss by reducing adrenaline and heat production.
Furthermore, heightened CNS arousal can be linked to depression following the initial ‘high’ due to the drop in dopamine levels as tolerance develops or cessation of the drug occurs.
Trembling, particularly in the hands, is frequently seen in those taking clenbuterol, as a result of increased adrenaline release.
Insomnia
Users of clenbuterol commonly experience insomnia due to an overstimulated nervous system.
Some suggest taking clenbuterol in the morning to mitigate sleep issues. Yet, given clenbuterol’s lengthy half-life of approximately 35 hours, this approach has largely proven ineffective, with high concentrations persisting in the bloodstream.
Moreover, lack of sleep can lead to elevated cortisol levels, further increasing blood pressure and hindering fat loss.
Clenbuterol Dosage
Required dosages of clenbuterol vary depending on its intended use.
For instance, an individual with asthma may take two 20-mcg tablets daily.
Those with more severe respiratory conditions might take up to four 20-mcg tablets daily.
Yet, for weight loss, bodybuilders might consume 6–8 tablets daily (120–160 mcg), exceeding the medically advised therapeutic range and heightening the risk of severe side effects.
Individual tolerance to potent stimulants varies; therefore, dosages should be personalized based on sensitivity to the substance.
Notably, clenbuterol dosage remains consistent between men and women, unlike anabolic steroids, due to its CNS-targeting mechanism rather than hormonal pathways (which differ significantly between genders in terms of testosterone levels).
Clenbuterol Cycle
| Days | Clenbuterol dose |
| 1-3 | 20mcg |
| 4-6 | 30mcg |
| 7-9 | 40mcg |
| 10-12 | 50mcg |
| 13-15 | 60mcg |
| 16-18 | 70mcg |
| 19-21 | 80mcg |
| 22-24 | 80mcg |
| 25-27 | 80mcg |
| 28-30 | 80mcg |
The subsequent cycle is designed for individuals seeking optimal fat reduction and marked muscle definition.
Tolerance to clenbuterol tends to build swiftly. To sustain its efficacy, users may begin with a lower dose and incrementally elevate it every third day.
Clenbuterol Dosage Considerations
Individuals should only escalate their dosage to the highest level they can tolerate, taking into account the side effects. Completing a 30-day clenbuterol regimen, some patients have successfully reached daily doses of 120 mcg. On the other hand, there have been reports of significant adverse side effects at a lower dose of 80 mcg/day, necessitating an early termination of the regimen.
Beta-receptor downregulation is the main reason clenbuterol cycles are typically capped at a duration of 4 to 6 weeks.
As a consequence, the beneficial impact of clenbuterol is temporary, lasting only until the body adjusts its temperature back to normal, resulting in a cessation of its fat-burning effects.
To counter this, some practitioners opt to alternate clenbuterol usage, following a pattern of 2 weeks on followed by 2 weeks off, or even a shorter cycle of 2 days on and 2 days off.
The 2-Week Clenbuterol Cycle Pattern
Short clenbuterol cycles can circumvent the body’s tolerance buildup, thereby maintaining the drug’s effectiveness for fat loss in successive cycles.
Practice shows that a 2-week regimen can alleviate cardiovascular stress and other side effects.
In a reported case, a healthy 25-year-old individual was admitted to the emergency room after consuming 20 mcg of clenbuterol, spiking his heart rate to 140 beats per minute along with fluctuating blood pressure.
He reported feeling palpitations, nausea, chest pain, excessive sweating, and anxiety.
Interestingly, he had taken this dose for 3 weeks without adverse reactions previously, illustrating the potential suitability of a 2-week cycle for those who are more sensitive to the drug.
These cycles typically initiate at a range of 20–40 mcg, with the dosage being incremented every 1 or 2 days until peak levels, usually hitting between 100 mcg and 140 mcg, are reached.
Post-cycle, users take a 2-week break before starting another clenbuterol cycle, initiating the subsequent course with the previously achieved maximum dose. Thus, if the initial cycle concluded at 100 mcg daily, this amount is administered throughout the entire second 2-week cycle.
Subsequent cycles should commence at the individual’s established maximum dosage to continue progressing.
Co-administration of Clenbuterol and Winstrol
In Men
| Days | Clenbuterol | Winstrol |
| 1-3 | 20mcg | 20mg |
| 4-6 | 20mcg | 20mg |
| 7-9 | 40mcg | 20mg |
| 10-12 | 40mcg | 20mg |
| 13-15 | 40mcg | 20mg |
| 16-18 | 40mcg | 20mg |
| 19-21 | 80mcg | 20mg |
| 22-24 | 80mcg | 20mg |
| 25-27 | 80mcg | 20mg |
| 28-30 | 80mcg | 20mg |
| 31-37 | 20mg | |
| 38-44 | 20mg | |
| 35-51 | 20mg | |
| 52-60 | 20mg |
Winstrol, an anabolic steroid, is typically incorporated into cutting cycles to enhance fat reduction and lean muscle mass development.
When combined with clenbuterol, winstrol contributes to a more anabolic state, allowing for simultaneous muscle building and fat burning, as opposed to the predominantly fat-reducing effect of clenbuterol alone.
Winstrol has its distinct side effects apart from those of clenbuterol. Although it is an oral compound like clenbuterol, it poses a significant risk of liver damage, as reflected by elevated liver enzymes in blood tests of users.
It can also lead to increased LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure. Hair loss, prostate enlargement, and acne are additional possible androgenic side effects noticed due to elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.
A concerning outcome of winstrol use is the suppression of natural testosterone production which can take months to normalize, hence bodybuilders often follow up with post-cycle therapy.
In Women
| Days | Clenbuterol dose | Winstrol dose |
| 1-3 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 4-6 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 7-9 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 10-12 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 13-15 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 16-18 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 19-21 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 22-24 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 25-27 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 28-30 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 31-37 | 5mg | |
| 38-44 | 5mg | |
| 45-51 | 5mg | |
| 52-60 | 5mg |
Winstrol is generally not recommended for women because of the high risk of virilization, although minimal dosages may mitigate such effects.
For women whose primary goal is fat loss, employing this cycle may be unnecessary – achievable through diet and clenbuterol alone. Yet, to gain more muscle tone and size, some may choose to use both compounds together.
Clenbuterol and Anavar Cycle
In Men
| Days | Clenbuterol | Anavar |
| 1-3 | 20mcg | 20mg |
| 4-6 | 20mcg | 20mg |
| 7-9 | 40mcg | 20mg |
| 10-12 | 40mcg | 20mg |
| 13-15 | 40mcg | 20mg |
| 16-18 | 40mcg | 20mg |
| 19-21 | 80mcg | 20mg |
| 22-24 | 80mcg | 20mg |
| 25-27 | 80mcg | 20mg |
| 28-30 | 80mcg | 20mg |
| 31-37 | 20mg | |
| 38-44 | 20mg | |
| 45-51 | 20mg | |
| 52-60 | 20mg |
Anavar (oxandrolone) is considered a cutting steroid for its pronounced effects on fat reduction.
Anavar also contributes to lean muscle gain and strength, making it a preferred choice for users seeking to increase both size and strength.
Viewed as slightly less potent than Winstrol in terms of results, Anavar is often seen as having a more tolerable side effect profile. Being FDA-approved for medical use, Anavar is generally accepted as safe within bodybuilding circles.
In Women
| Days | Clenbuterol dose | Anavar dose |
| 1-3 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 4-6 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 7-9 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 10-12 | 20mcg | 5mg |
| 13-15 | 20mcg | 10mg |
| 16-18 | 20mcg | 10mg |
| 19-21 | 20mcg | 10mg |
| 22-24 | 20mcg | 10mg |
| 25-27 | 20mcg | 10mg |
| 28-30 | 20mcg | 10mg |
Anavar is markedly more suitable for female users compared to Winstrol because it has a lower likelihood of causing masculinization.
Women seeking a clenbuterol and anavar cycle aim for a strong, lean appearance rather than simply slimming down.
Consequently, female celebrities are thought to prefer clenbuterol on its own, while athletes or serious weight lifters may include Anavar in their regimen.
Clenbuterol and Cytomel (T3) Cycle
Combining clenbuterol with Cytomel (T3) can further enhance fat loss. Cytomel is a prescribed medication for treating hypothyroidism and works to boost metabolism when used adjunctively with clenbuterol.In essence, elevated levels of T3 in an individual’s system have been linked to an increased rate of lipolysis, which is the breakdown of fat.
Bodybuilders deem this combination as the most effective for fat loss when preparing for competitions, but it’s not without significant adverse effects.
Typically, users ingest between 25–75 mcg of Cytomel daily over the course of 6–8 weeks.
An intermediate bodybuilder’s usual dosage is 50 mcg.
Bodybuilders often enhance the effects of Cytomel by pairing it with testosterone or another anabolic steroid, countering the muscle-wasting effects of Cytomel.
Clenbuterol Results (Before and After Pictures)
One individual started a two-week clenbuterol cycle with 20 mcg and increased the dose to 80 mcg by the end. First-time cycle results were notably impressive.
Several factors, including dosage, cycle duration, genetics, diet, and exercise regimen, play a role in the results obtained from clenbuterol use.
For optimal fat reduction, it is recommended to consume a diet that has 500 fewer calories than one’s maintenance level. If caloric intake exceeds maintenance, the metabolic benefits of clenbuterol are diminished.
Based on our observations, a 4-week clenbuterol cycle could result in a weight loss of 10–15 pounds for both men and women.
FAQ
Clenbuterol vs Albuterol
Albuterol sulfate, known as well as salbutamol, shares a similar mode of action with clenbuterol as a beta-2 adrenergic agonist.
Albuterol is distinct in that it has FDA approval as an asthma treatment medication available by prescription.
While albuterol promotes fat burning via CNS stimulation and thermogenesis, it is not as strong as clenbuterol and is seen as more refined in its stimulant properties.
The side effects of albuterol are more manageable, contributing to its profile as being more friendly to the cardiovascular system.
Albuterol has shown less pronounced results in fat loss and energy boost compared to clenbuterol in our experience.
Given albuterol’s shorter half-life of 4-6 hours, it requires more frequent administration (3–4 times daily).
Albuterol is available in pill form like clenbuterol but is medically prescribed as an emergency inhaler.
Is Clenbuterol Legal?
While clenbuterol is not officially categorized as a controlled substance, making it technically legal in the US and some other nations, it is not FDA-approved, indicating the potential seriousness of its side effects.
On the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances, clenbuterol can lead to a failed drug test and subsequent suspension for athletes.
Is Clenbuterol Safe?
The lack of FDA approval for human use suggests clenbuterol’s hazardous potential.
Research, including a study conducted by the Peking Union Medical College, indicates moderate effects on rabbits at low doses but points to the risk of significant heart rate changes and severe hypotension at higher doses.
Our anecdotal evidence also points to the increased risk of cardiotoxicity at higher dosages.
Note: Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions face a heightened risk when using clenbuterol, regardless of dosage. This risk is compounded if clenbuterol is used in conjunction with anabolic steroids.
Is Weight Loss From Clenbuterol Permanent?
Results from clenbuterol are enduring and won’t reverse after the cycle ends, provided that proper diet and exercise are maintained.
Note: The temporary aspect is water loss, so some fluid weight may return post-cycle.
Does Clenbuterol Work?
Clenbuterol is considered one of the world’s most effective fat burners.
However, its acquisition from black markets often leads to uncertain product purity and authenticity.
If a lack of weight loss or absence of body temperature increase is noted, it may not be genuine clenbuterol.It should be mentioned that instances of clenbuterol being counterfeited are uncommon, potentially due to its relatively affordable cost. However, it is not unheard of.
Consumption of Alcohol While Taking Clenbuterol
Taking anabolic steroids orally and consuming alcohol simultaneously is typically discouraged because of the potential liver damage. Clenbuterol, though, is not an anabolic steroid but a bronchodilator and does not pose a risk to liver health.
Nevertheless, when taking clenbuterol, the primary concerns involve significant increases in heart rate, heightened blood pressure, and the risk of dehydration. The consumption of alcohol can worsen these effects due to the surge in cortisol levels, so it’s advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol.
In addition, alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of clenbuterol’s fat-burning properties, particularly in areas where fat is more resistant to loss. This is because cortisol can promote the storage of fat.
REFERENCES
(1) https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1358&context=gradschool_theses
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18072161/
(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2858512/
(4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6225031/
(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4840705/
(8) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1831534/
Dr. Grant Fourie, a specialist in male hormones, is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He provides comprehensive treatments for conditions related to low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes. His methods include hormone replacement therapy and other modern treatment options.
Contact me via email or phone to book personal appointment in my clinic: The Village Square, Cape Town - South Africa
