Clenbuterol is not an anabolic-androgenic
steroid. Clenbuterol actually belongs to the class of drugs that are
referred to as sympathomimetics. These are group of compounds that
mimic the actions of epinephrine and the hormone/neurotransmitter
norepinephrine.
Clenbuterol is clinically used as a decongestant and
bronchodilator, which is commonly prescribed to patients with asthma.
But this drug has gained popularity as a very effective slimming pill;
thus, it is often referred to as the ‘size-0’ pill. Clenbuterol,
however, does not only come in pill or tablet form; it is can be bought
in syrup and injectable forms.
Clenbuterol has some advantages over other sympathomimetics.
Clenbuterol is a selective beta-2 sympathomimetic, which means that it
targets specific areas, particularly influencing only one of the three
subsets of beta-receptors. This means that clenbuterol causes much less
cardiovascular side effects compared with non-selective beta agonists.
Another asset of clenbuterol is its long half-life, which is
estimated around 34 hours. Thus, users only have to take this drug once
or a maximum dosage of twice daily can maintain steady blood levels.
Ephedrine, another sympathomimetic, loses out to clenbuterol with
regard to length of efficacy. Clenbuterol remains effective for days
while ephedrine is excreted out of the system in just a matter of few
hours.
Clenbuterol as an anabolic agent is still open for some
debate, but there have been researches involving animals which indicate
that this compound exerts anabolism. It is, however, without a doubt an
efficient fat burner.
How does clenbuterol exert its fat-burning activity?
Clenbuterol is a thermogenic. Thermogenics are mostly dietary
supplements that are used to stimulate the body’s fat-burning abilities
through several mechanisms. Clenbuterol increases the rate of
metabolism of the body’s adipose tissues. This drug induces fat loss
through direct and indirect mechanisms. Clenbuterol directly stimulates
fat cells and hastens the breakdown of triglycerides. As a thermogenic,
it increases blood pressure which then results to the stimulation of
the heart muscles. As a consequence of this stimulation, the body’s
temperature increases eventually leading to burning of body fat.
Clenbuterol also plays a significant role in the breakdown of
glycogen in the body. This process, referred to as glycogenolysis,
results to the release of glycogen into the bloodstream. Glycogen is
one of the body’s energy sources, along with starch, protein, and fat.
With the rapid breakdown of glycogen, the body uses up stored fat to
fuel its activity.
The effective dosage of Clenbuterol is 2-8 tablets per day
for males and 2-4 tablets per day for females. It is advised that
intake should be gradually ramp up; slowly increase the dosage until an
effective and comfortable range is found. In this manner, the user can
gauge his/her tolerance to the drug, specifically on its effect on
blood pressure.
Cycling of this drug usually depends on the individual’s
goal. The common goal with clenbuterol is to lose fat and it is has
been observed that this drug’s highest efficacy works in a cycle
lasting from 4 to 6 weeks.
Clenbuterol side effects include palpitations, restlessness,
headache, muscle spasm, and increased blood pressure. It is
contraindicated with individuals who have been diagnosed with
cardiovascular problems.
Clenbuterol Steroid Cycles:
While clenbuterol is not an actual steroid, it's often stacked with potent anabolics, such as: Anavar and Winstrol.