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.
