Clenbuterol Cycle and Dosage Information for Men and Women

Dr George TouliatosDisclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and does not promote the use of illegal substances. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is currently available for consultation.


What is Clenbuterol?

Clenbuterol is a β2-adrenoceptor agonist and bronchodilator formulated to treat various breathing disorders, such as:

  • Inflammatory airway disease (IAD)
  • Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO)

Clenbuterol is an effective anti-asthma medication, having been an approved prescription drug for humans since 1977 in several countries (albeit not the US).

Why Do Bodybuilders Take Clenbuterol?

In research, we have seen clenbuterol demonstrate strong anabolic effects in animals, significantly increasing skeletal muscle mass while reducing fat (1). This has led to bodybuilders purchasing clenbuterol illicitly and utilizing it in cutting cycles alongside other fat-burning steroids. However, we have found clenbuterol’s effects in humans to be somewhat dissimilar to those in animals.

Does Clenbuterol Increase Muscle Mass in Humans?

Some users report no anabolic effects from clenbuterol, whereas others report improvements in lean muscle tissue.

Based on our observations, clenbuterol can induce anabolism, although to a lesser degree than anabolic-androgenic steroids.

Thus, clenbuterol may help bodybuilders retain muscle when cutting, although significant increases in muscle size and strength are uncommon in our experience. This is therefore more of an anti-catabolic effect than an anabolic one.

Clenbuterol is generally taken orally; however, it is also available as a syrup or injection.

Disclosure: We do not accept any form of advertising on Inside Bodybuilding. We monetize our practice via doctor consultations and carefully chosen pharmaceutical recommendations, which have given our patients excellent results.

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What Are the Benefits of Clenbuterol?

  1. Fat loss
  2. Increased blood flow
  3. Enhanced energy
  4. Appetite suppression
  5. Diuretic
  6. No testosterone suppression

1. Fat Loss

Clenbuterol stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), thus increasing adrenaline output and raising the body’s temperature by as much as 1 degree.

Consequently, in an attempt to maintain homeostasis, the body stimulates the sweat glands to cool itself back down to its previous temperature.

This constant cooling effect increases total calorie expenditure, thus spiking a user’s basal metabolic rate. Thus, we find users will typically burn more calories at rest than usual.

This makes it easier for bodybuilders to eat in a calorie deficit and burn fat indirectly (due to an elevated metabolism). Clenbuterol also has direct fat-burning effects (similar to other beta-2 agonists) by accelerating the conversion of triglycerides to free fatty acids.

2. Increased Blood Flow

Clenbuterol increases adrenaline levels, thus shifting the body into fight-or-flight mode. Consequently, blood flow improves throughout the body as a survival mechanism.

Thus, we have seen clenbuterol improve muscular endurance, enabling bodybuilders to perform more repetitions than usual.

Note: If a person’s blood pressure or heart rate rises excessively, endurance may suffer on clenbuterol; thus, this benefit is dependent on the person and how they react to clenbuterol.

Pumps can also become bigger due to superior blood circulation to the muscles.

Bigger pumps and increased repetitions may indirectly help to build new muscle due to stretching of the muscle fascia.

Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds the muscles; however, if excessively tight, muscle growth can be inhibited.

As the muscle tries to expand, it effectively pushes against the deep fascia. Therefore, the more flexible this tissue becomes, the greater its potential for muscle hypertrophy. Bigger pumps from clenbuterol will aid in the fascia becoming more supple, reducing such friction.

Users also report:

  1. Accelerated recovery after workouts.
  2. Requiring less sleep than usual.

Note: When a person remains in fight-or-flight mode for an extended period of time, cortisol levels can rise excessively, with vasoconstriction occurring. This impairs blood flow and increases fatigue, which may occur in the latter stages of a clenbuterol cycle following the initial increase in blood flow.

3. Enhanced Energy

Stimulants arouse the central nervous system, causing the body to release more adrenaline and providing a substantial burst of energy.

Clenbuterol is a powerful stimulant; thus, energy levels will increase notably. However, we find users commonly experience a crash with low energy after this initial effect wears off, consequently creating a dependence on clenbuterol.

High energy levels of clenbuterol can (indirectly) help to burn more fat due to workouts becoming more intense. For example, users may perform cardiovascular exercise on a stationary bike for 15 minutes; however, on clenbuterol, individuals may be able to extend this to 20+ minutes.

4. Appetite Suppression

Clenbuterol has a stimulating effect on beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which can affect satiety levels in humans. Consequently, our patients have reported decreased hunger throughout the day, despite burning more calories. This effect can indirectly assist with further fat loss due to users being more likely to eat in a calorie deficit.

This is beneficial to someone who struggles to diet, as users will naturally feel fuller for longer periods on clenbuterol, causing them to naturally eat smaller portions.

5. Diuretic

Clenbuterol expels extracellular water, resulting in a person looking visibly leaner and having increased muscle tone. We attribute clenbuterol’s diuretic effects to the amount of sweating that occurs.

Therefore, it is important to drink adequate levels of water when taking clenbuterol, as sodium is lost through sweat, which can lead to dehydration and muscle cramps.

Any water lost from taking clenbuterol is likely to return post-cycle, making this diuretic effect temporary.

6. No Testosterone Suppression

One of the biggest drawbacks we see with anabolic steroids is the shutting down of natural testosterone production. Typically, after a steroid cycle, it can take several weeks or months for endogenous testosterone to return to normal levels.

In contrast, clenbuterol does not compromise testosterone levels. Thus, PCT is not required, and results are less likely to be lost post-cycle.

Legal Clenbuterol Alternative

clenbuterol rating

Clenbutrol is our recommended legal clenbuterol product. It mimics the fat-burning and thermogenic effects of clenbuterol, but without any increases in heart rate or blood pressure.

Clenbutrol is an FDA-approved formula and does not require a prescription for purchase.

Clenbutrol can be taken by men or women to significantly decrease their fat mass, while enhancing muscle tone.

What Are the Side Effects of Clenbuterol?

  1. Increased heart rate (palpitations)
  2. Anxiety (shakes)
  3. Insomnia

1. Increased Heart Rate

Clenbuterol arouses the sympathetic nervous system, potentially causing users’ resting heart rates to become excessively elevated.

Dr. Thomas O’Connor also has anecdotal evidence of clenbuterol contributing to heart rates of 180 beats per minute.

We had a patient experience chronic atrial fibrillation following clenbuterol use (2), a form of irregular heartbeat caused by permanent cardiac scarring.

Thus, clenbuterol is an especially dangerous drug for anyone with:

  • Cardiac issues in their family
  • Existing high blood pressure
  • Existing heart arrhythmia

Clenbuterol may cause deteriorations in health for the average person. Thus, its potential toxicity is not limited to those with genetic susceptibilities for cardiac complications.

2. Anxiety

Anxiety is a common side effect of taking clenbuterol due to its tendency to shift a person into fight-or-flight mode. Excessive arousal of the central nervous system may cause a person to perceive everyday situations as threats, negatively affecting their mental health.

A racing heart and palpitations may also trigger anxiety, as users may think they are having a heart attack.

Taking a sedative may help to calm the central nervous system and reduce anxiety levels. However, we have seen this counteract the thermogenic effect of clenbuterol, thus negatively affecting fat loss due to less adrenaline and heat production.

High levels of CNS stimulation are linked to depression due to the subsequent come-down effect. This is due to clenbuterol initially boosting dopamine levels in the brain (3), for them to drop later as a person builds tolerance or comes off the drug.

Tremors are also common when taking clenbuterol due to its greater adrenaline output. In our experience, this side effect is particularly common in the hands.

3. Insomnia

Insomnia can by experienced by clenbuterol users more prone to an overly active nervous system, causing hyperactivity (4).

Some bodybuilders suggest taking clenbuterol earlier in the day to improve the chances of falling asleep at night. However, clenbuterol has a long half-life of 35 hours (5). Thus, we have found this protocol to be ineffective, with high amounts of clenbuterol still peaking in the bloodstream.

It is worth noting that sleep deprivation may elevate cortisol levels, further increasing blood pressure and inhibiting fat burning.

Clenbuterol Dosage

A person’s dosage will depend on what they are using clenbuterol for. For example, an asthmatic may take two 20-mcg pills per day. Patients suffering more severely from respiratory issues may take four 20-mcg pills per day.

However, bodybuilders or anyone taking clenbuterol for weight loss purposes may take 6–8 pills per day (120–160 mcg). Such dosages are well beyond the therapeutic range used in medicine; therefore, more severe side effects are to be expected.

People respond to potent stimulants differently; thus, the dosage can also be tailored to how sensitive a person is to the drug.

Are Dosages Different for Men and Women?

Unlike with anabolic steroids, the dosage of clenbuterol is the same for men and women. This is due to it affecting the CNS rather than working on a hormonal level (where women have significantly less testosterone and thus need smaller doses of steroids to obtain the same level of results).

Clenbuterol Cycle

The following cycle is taken by men and women to enhance fat loss and muscle definition.

clenbuterol cycle

We find users typically build a tolerance to clenbuterol quickly; thus, to prolong its positive effects, consumers can start on a lower dosage and increase it slowly every third day.

Typically, a user only continues increasing the dosage until they reach the maximum amount. We have had patients complete a 30-day clenbuterol cycle, reaching a peak dose of 120 mcg without significant, short-term complications. However, we have also had patients report severe side effects on 80 mcg/day (and thus have to cut their cycle short).

The reason why clenbuterol cycles typically do not last beyond 4–6 weeks is due to beta-receptor downregulation.

Thus, clenbuterol’s positive effects can only be experienced for a limited time until the body successfully regulates its temperature back to normal, causing fat burning to come to a halt.

This is also why some users choose to cycle clenbuterol for 2 weeks on, followed by 2 weeks off, or 2 days on and 2 days off.

2-Week On/Off Clenbuterol Cycle

As previously mentioned, short clenbuterol cycles are sometimes utilized to prevent the body from building up a tolerance to the drug, ensuring further fat loss in future cycles. Furthermore, we have found that a shorter 2-week cycle is less cardiotoxic compared to longer cycles.

In one journal, a healthy 25-year-old man was rushed to the ER after taking 20 mcg of clenbuterol (6). He was diagnosed with labile hypertension, and his heart rate reached 140 beats per minute.

He experienced:

  1. Palpitations
  2. Nausea
  3. Chest pain
  4. Sweating
  5. Anxiety

He had been taking the same dose for the last 3 weeks with no adverse effects. Therefore, this is an example of how a 2-week cycle can be less damaging for sensitive users.

A 2-week cycle will often start in the 20–40 mcg range, with the dose increasing every 1 or 2 days until a maximum dose is achieved (usually 100 mcg–140 mcg).

Users will commonly have 2 weeks of rest before cycling clenbuterol again. However, the second cycle begins with the maximum dose from the first cycle. Thus, if the first cycle finished at 100 mcg per day, this would be taken for the entire 2 weeks in the second cycle.

Every follow-up cycle from this point on then starts at the maximum dose for continued progress.

Clenbuterol and Winstrol

For Men

clenbuterol winstrol cycle

Winstrol is an anabolic steroid utilized during cutting cycles to enhance fat loss and lean muscle mass.

The addition of Winstrol will have a more anabolic effect than taking clenbuterol alone. Thus, a person will build muscle and burn fat simultaneously on this stack, as opposed to predominantly burning fat with clenbuterol.

The side effects of Winstrol are different from those of clenbuterol. Winstrol is an oral compound like clenbuterol; however, it is highly hepatotoxic. Our liver function tests often show high ALT/AST enzymes in Winstrol users, indicating significant strain on the liver. LDL cholesterol levels will also rise, causing a substantial spike in blood pressure.

Further possible side effects we see related to high DHT levels include:

  1. Hair loss
  2. Prostate enlargement
  3. Acne vulgaris

Winstrol can also cause endogenous testosterone production to shut down, taking several months for levels to recover back to normal (hence why bodybuilders opt for post-cycle therapy).

For Women

Winstrol is generally not a recommended steroid for women, due to the high chances of virilization occurring. Such masculine effects, however, may be reduced by adopting a low dosage (as shown below).

clenbuterol winstrol cycle for women

There may not be high motivation for females to utilize this stack if the primary goal is fat loss, as Winstrol can compromise femininity. However, if additional muscle tone and size are required, some women may run clenbuterol and Winstrol together.

Clenbuterol and Cytomel (T3) Cycle

Clenbuterol can also be stacked with Cytomel (synthetic T3) to enhance fat-burning. Cytomel is a prescription medication for hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).

Generally, the higher a person’s T3 levels are, the greater the rate of lipolysis (fat-burning) in the body. We have found this to be an effective weight loss stack, but it is not without harsh side effects. These can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Brain fog
  • Flushing
  • High blood pressure
  • Arrhythmias

Users often take 25–75 mcg of Cytomel per day for 6–8 weeks.

50 mcg is the standard Cytomel dose for intermediate bodybuilders. However, they may stack Cytomel with testosterone or another anabolic steroid due to T3’s potential catabolic effects.

Clenbuterol Results (Before and After Pictures)

clenbuterol before and after

The user (above) cycled clenbuterol for 2 weeks, starting with a 20 mcg dose and slowly increasing up to 80 mcg/day. This was the user’s first clenbuterol cycle.

We see a person’s results on clenbuterol commonly determined by:

  • Dosage
  • Length of cycle
  • Genetics
  • Diet
  • Workout routines

For enhanced fat loss, users may eat within a 500-calorie deficit. Clenbuterol’s metabolic effects can effectively be blunted if a person eats in a calorie surplus.

In our experience, men and women typically lose 10–15 pounds from a 4-week cycle of clenbuterol.

Similarly to steroids, the more clenbuterol cycles a person performs, the less fat loss they are likely to experience with each one.

Clenbutrol Reviews (Before and After Pictures)

Clenbutrol is a legal alternative to clenbuterol, an FDA-approved compound that is formulated by Crazy Bulk.

clenbuterol results

Balwinder’s results from taking Clenbutrol for 5 weeks.

legal clenbuterol before and after

John Miller’s results from taking Crazy Bulk’s cutting stack (including Clenbutrol) for 8 weeks.

clenbuterol review

Kim lost 8 pounds after taking Clenbutrol, Anvarol, and Winsol for 1 month. She lost 2 inches on her waist and 2.5 inches on her hips.

FAQs

Clenbuterol vs. Albuterol: How Do They Compare?

Albuterol sulfate (also referred to as salbutamol) is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, like clenbuterol.

The main difference, however, is that albuterol is an FDA-approved and available prescription drug for the treatment of asthma.

Albuterol also burns fat through the process of thermogenesis via the stimulation of the CNS. Thus, the benefits and side effects of albuterol are similar to those of clenbuterol.

However, albuterol is not as potent as clenbuterol, being regarded as a cleaner stimulant.

Consequently, albuterol’s side effects can be more tolerable, potentially making it more cardiovascular-friendly. However, the results on albuterol are less noticeable in our experience, with fat loss and energy levels being more prominent on clenbuterol.

Albuterol also has a shorter half-life than clenbuterol, being 4–6 hours, thus requiring more frequent doses (3–4 times per day).

Albuterol is administered via the same method as clenbuterol (in pill form). However, in medicine, albuterol is prescribed in the form of an emergency inhaler.

Is Clenbuterol Legal?

Clenbuterol is technically legal in the US and other countries, as it is not listed in the Controlled Substances Act.

However, it is not approved by the FDA, so users should be aware of its potentially damaging side effects.

Clenbuterol is also on the WADA banned list of substances; thus, athletes can fail a drug test and be suspended (if it is found lingering in their system).

Is Clenbuterol Safe?

The FDA has not approved clenbuterol for human use, which is an indicator of its toxic nature.

The Peking Union Medical College in Beijing, China, concluded that clenbuterol only had mild effects when given to rabbits (7). However, when higher doses were administered, their heart rates increased drastically, inducing severe hypotension.

Thus, research suggests that the severity of clenbuterol’s adverse effects may be dose-dependent (8). Anecdotally, we have found high dosages to be unsafe in regard to cardiotoxicity.

Note: Men and women with existing heart issues are at high risk when taking clenbuterol (irrespective of the dose). Also, if users are stacking clenbuterol with anabolic steroids, cardiac-related side effects will be exacerbated (9).

Is Weight Loss From Clenbuterol Permanent?

The results from clenbuterol can be maintained if a user continues to eat in a calorie deficit or at maintenance calories.

However, if a person begins to overeat following a clenbuterol cycle and stops training, then fat accumulation can occur.

Note: Water loss is the only inherently temporary effect; therefore, users may regain a small amount of fluid when they finish their cycle.

Does Clenbuterol Work?

Yes, clenbuterol is an effective lipolytic drug.

However, clenbuterol is purchased under the counter, where supplements are often tainted (10); thus, it is difficult to know if users are receiving authentic clenbuterol.

clenbuterol bottle
As a general rule, if users are not experiencing fat loss or their body temperature is not rising, it is unlikely to be clenbuterol.

Can Users Drink Alcohol With Clenbuterol?

Alcohol consumption is usually a detrimental idea when taking oral anabolic steroids due to their hepatotoxic nature. However, clenbuterol is not an anabolic steroid but instead a bronchodilator, and it is not liver toxic.

The main concerns we see with clenbuterol are excessive rises in heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and dehydration. Alcohol will exacerbate all three of these side effects due to increased cortisol production, so we advise against it.

Furthermore, alcohol will blunt the fat-burning effects of clenbuterol, especially in stubborn areas, due to cortisol being a fat-storing hormone.

Clenbuterol Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Significant fat loss
  • Effective bronchodilator
  • Anti-catabolic effects

Cons:

  • Increased risk of tachycardia
  • Excess stimulation of the central nervous system.

Co Authors :

(1) Thompson, Jessica, "Effects of clenbuterol on skeletal and cardiac muscle in horses" (2009). LSU Master's Theses. 359.

(2) Daubert, G. P., Mabasa, V. H., Leung, V. W., & Aaron, C. (2007). Acute clenbuterol overdose resulting in supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillationJournal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology3(2), 56–60.

(3) Ortmann, R., Meisburger, J. G., & Mogilnicka, E. (1985). Effect of beta-adrenoceptor agonists on apomorphine-induced turning in ratsJournal of neural transmission61(1-2), 43–53.

(4) Nimgaonkar, V. L., Green, A. R., Cowen, P. J., Heal, D. J., Grahame-Smith, D. G., & Deakin, J. F. (1983). Studies on the mechanisms by which clenbuterol, a beta-adrenoceptor agonist, enhances 5-HT-mediated behaviour and increases metabolism of 5-HT in the brain of the ratNeuropharmacology22(6), 739–749.

(5) Yamamoto, I., Iwata, K., & Nakashima, M. (1985). Pharmacokinetics of plasma and urine clenbuterol in man, rat, and rabbitJournal of Pharmacobio-Dynamics8(5), 385–391.

(6) Waight, Michael, and William McGuinness. “Case of low dose clenbuterol toxicity.” BMJ case reports vol. 2016 10.1136/bcr-2016-215157.

(7) Ethanolamines—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition. (n.d.). Google Books.

(8) Burniston, Jatin G et al. “Dose-dependent apoptotic and necrotic myocyte death induced by the beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist, clenbuterol.” Muscle & nerve vol. 32,6 (2005): 767-74.

(9) Hernández-Guerra, Ana Isabel et al., “Sudden cardiac death in anabolic androgenic steroids abuse: case report and literature review.” Forensic Sciences Research, vol. 4,3 267-273.

(10) Magnolini, Raphael et al., “Fake anabolic androgenic steroids on the black market - a systematic review and meta-analysis on qualitative and quantitative analytical results found within the literature.” BMC Public Health, vol. 22,1 1371.