Clenbuterol - for drying and weight loss

Clenbuterol (Clenbuterol) - the drug used in medicine for the treatment of bronchial asthma. In the recent years, clenbuterol has been widely used in bodybuilding and fitness, due to its ability to burn fat, therefore it is often used by athletes for weight loss and drying. Clenbuterol courses often include thyroxine and ketotifen to accelerate weight loss process. Clenbuterol is not related to anabolic steroids and belongs to the group of adrenoceptor agonists, which exert their physiological effect by activating the sympathetic system, in this case the interaction with beta-2 adrenoreceptors.

Mechanism of action

Being a beta-2 agonist, clenbuterol acts as a fat burner by binding to beta-receptors of the 2 type in adipose and muscle tissue of the human body. After clenbuterol connects to the receptor, a cascade of biochemical reactions starts, which lead to the increased synthesis of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). cAMP in turn activates enzymes that mobilize fatty acids from adipocytes (adipose tissue cells). 

During the action of clenbuterol on beta-2-adrenergic receptors of the presynaptic membrane the elimination of norepinephrine and epinephrine increases, which have powerful fat-burning effect. Clenbuterol raises the metabolic rate by 20-30% from the baseline.

Clenbuterol inhibits the activity of lipoprotein lipase, as result the deposition of fat in the adipose tissue becomes impossible. Acting on beta-2-adrenergic receptors of the central nervous system, the given drug enhances the secretion of thyroid hormones - natural fat burners of the body.

The unique feature of clenbuterol is that it is not only a powerful fat burner, but also has a strong anticatabolic effect, protecting muscles from destruction, which is very important during weight loss and drying in bodybuilding. Studies have shown that anti-catabolic effect of the drug is caused by blocking of Ca + +-dependent and ubiquitin-proteasome proteolysis.

Due to the above mechanisms, the drug has a moderate anabolic effect, which is proved in animal experiments and practical use in bodybuilding. Some authors (Yuri Bombela) say that in large doses clenbuterol can have catabolic effects, but this statement is not true. There are neither physiological nor practical reasons for that.

Taking into account the fact that the drug practically does not interact with beta 1-adrenoreceptors, enlargement of bronchi and respiratory relief takes place, as well as much lower incidence of side effects from the cardiovascular system, compared with non-selective agonists such as efedrin.

Effects of clenbuterol

•   Fat burning and muscles drying
•   An increase in temperature
•   Loss of appetite
•   Mental activation
•   Anti-catabolic effect
•   Anabolic effect

Low incidence of side effects, almost complete absence of harm to health (experience has shown that irreversible side effects almost completely absent) and a wide range of positive effects make clenbuterol one of the best fat burners for bodybuilding.

The course of clenbuterol: weight loss or drying

For men, the recommended dose of clenbuterol for weight loss and drying is 120 - 140 mcg per day. For women, the average dose of clenbuterol for drying and weight loss is 80-100 mcg per day. The course of clenbuterol has its delicate peculiarities that must be strictly observed to avoid side effects.

Duration of the clenbuterol course is usually 2 weeks, then addiction (tolerance of receptors) appears and efficiency is reduced. Then it is necessary to make a two weeks break and then repeat the course. Duration and effectiveness of the course of clenbuterol can be increased by the inclusion of ketotifen. Sometimes, to avoid receptor adaptation it is recommended to use pulse-course - 2 days intake the drug, 2 days rest, but this scheme is less efficient.

The course of clenbuterol without ketotifen

•   Day 1: 20 mcg
•   Day 2: 40 mcg
•   Day 3: 60 mcg
•   Day 4: 80 mcg
•   Day 5: 100 mcg
•   Day 6-12: 120 mcg
•   Day 13: 80 mcg
•   Day 14: 40 mcg
•   Two-week break

The dosage of clenbuterol should be increased progressively during the first week. The optimal time for the intake of clenbuterol - in the morning (in order not to cause insomnia, in addition to that in the morning hours the efficacy of the drug is higher). With increasing the dosage, start taking it in 2 times: in the morning and in the afternoon.

The course of clenbuterol + ketotifen

Ketotifen – is an anti-allergic agent with a unique ability to restore the sensitivity of beta-2-adrenoreceptors to clenbuterol. This ability has been proved for many times during the tests. With the help of ketotifen you can accelerate for 10-20 percent the process of weight loss or drying and extend the course up to 8 weeks. In addition, ketotifen eliminates psychic excitement, facilitates falling asleep and reduces heartbeat, that is, it removes many of the side effects of clenbuterol.

•   Day 1: 20 mcg clenbuterol
•   Day 2: 40 mcg clenbuterol
•   Day 3: 60 mcg clenbuterol
•   Day 4: 80 mcg clenbuterol
•   Day 5: 100 mcg clenbuterol + 1 mg ketotifen
•   Day 6-27: 120 mcg clenbuterol + 2 mg ketotifen
•   Day 28: 80 mcg clenbuterol + 2 mg ketotifen
•   Day 29: 50 mcg clenbuterol + 1-2 mg ketotifen
•   Day 30: 33-35 mcg clenbuterol + 1 mg ketotifen
•   At least two-weeks break

Ketotifen is taken at night, clenbuterol - in the morning. Distribution of the doses is the same as in the previous example.

Combination: To maximize the effectiveness of the course clenbuterol is combined with thyroxine. However, in this case the risk of side effects increases.

Course of Clenbuterol + T3 + yohimbine

Read the main article: The combination with thyroxine and yohimbine

Side effects of clenbuterol

Side effects of clenbuterol are listed in accordance with the frequency of occurrence:

•   Trembling (20%) - is especially expressed on the first day of intake and then gradually fades away. Is eliminated by ketotifen.
•   Sweating (10%)
•   Insomnia (7%) - eliminated by ketotifen
•   Anxiety (6%) - eliminated by ketotifen
•   Palpitations (6%) - eliminated by beta-1-adreno-blockers. Take 5 mg of bisoprolol or 50 mg of etoprolol in the morning.
•   High blood pressure (6%) - - eliminated by beta-1-adreno-blockers. Take 5 mg of bisoprolol or 50 mg of metoprolol in the morning.
•   Violation of stool- diarrhea (5%) - usually observed only in the first days of the drug intake.
•   Nausea (3%)

As you can see, many side effects of clenbuterol can be prevented by ketotifen and bisoprolol (metoprolol). Also, it should be noted that the majority of side effects are especially expressed only in the initial stages of the course, and after few days they subside or disappear completely.

In the book of Ostapenko "Anabolic drugs" there is an information that due to the accumulation of polyamines in the cells, clenbuterol can cause malignant process and lead to the increase of the internal organs (in particular myocardial hypertrophy), which may explain the expressed bulge of the abdominal wall of many modern athletes . However, these statements do not have scientific and practical evidence, therefore they can only be regarded to as speculation of the author. Besides, it was determined that the increase of the abdominal cavity of the professional athletes is primarily associated with the use of large doses of the growth hormone.

Clenbuterol and alcohol

It is not recommended to combine Clenbuterol and alcohol, as this may increase nausea and palpitations. Clenbuterol and alcohol increase the load on the cardiovascular system. In addition, alcohol interferes the weight loss and drying. Alcohol destroys the muscles. Read the main article: Alcohol and muscles.

Saltos for weight loss

Clenbuterol can be found in the pharmacy only in the form of a syrup. The tablets can be purchased only from illegal dealers (like the most of the athletes do), but there is a full-fledged replacement of clenbuterol. Saltos (salbutamol tablets) can be used for losing weight with the same success - this drug has the same mechanism of action as clenbuterol has, but it is withdrawed from the body much faster, therefore for weight loss Saltos is taken 3 times per day in the dose of 1 tablet, in case of good tolerance the dose is increased 2 times (2 tablets - 3 times per day). In other respects the course has no differences. Alternate course: dose 4 tablets per day (1 tablet per 25 kg of the body weight), 2 days of intake, two days of holidays.