Clenbuterol (also
known as Clen, Spiropent, and Ventipulmin) is a
sympathomimetic amine
that is used by patients with breathing disorders. This β2 agonist has
some structural and pharmacological similarities to epinephrine and
salbutamol (Albuterol)
[1]
but it admired by all, especially sportsmen, as
its effects are more potent and long lasting when used as a thermogenic
drug and stimulant. Moreover, use of this drug is associated with a
dramatic increase in the level of aerobic capacity, stimulation of the
central nervous system, and enhancements in the context of oxygen
transportation and blood pressure. It is commonly used as a
bronchodilator and tocolytic as it has smooth muscle relaxant
properties and can increase the rate at which fat in the body is
metabolized while increasing basal metabolic rate of the body.
Considered to be one of the best drugs to promote cardio exercise
potential of the body
[2],
Clenbuterol proves beneficial in losing
"stubborn and stored" fat. Use of the drug is associated with breakdown
of the protein stored in the muscle cells and redirecting loss of fat
in areas to be emphasized during the fat loss plan. It has the unique
ability of suppressing appetite for almost 9 hours and routinely
recommended to patients with health conditions such as asthmatic
conditions or
ADHD (attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder) and
cardiovascular shock, arrhythmias, anaphylactic shock, hypertension,
asthma, and migraine headaches.
Clenbuterol use is also linked with loss of adipose tissue that further
translates into lean physique improvements with cuts and striations
[3].
The weight and fat loss drug is also beneficial in making more glucose
available to the body through slow down of glycogen storage through
reversal of the effects and inhibiting the action of insulin. In
addition to that, Clen also leads to repartition, a process in which
the biological system of an individual works to strengthen the body by
fat separation from the body and muscle addition to the body besides
promoting the sense of well being, when complemented with exercises and
proper diet. This selective beta-2 agonist stimulates both type 2 and 3
beta-receptors for burning body fat and increasing muscle mass and body
strength at a quick pace. Many studies in the past have revealed that
use of Clenbuterol is associated with an extra loss of 5-10 percent
loss of maintenance calories when it comes to losing body fat.
Albuterol or Salbutamol is
classified as a short-acting β2-adrenergic
receptor agonist that is used for providing relief from bronchospasm in
health conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease. This drug can be taken orally, as an inhalant, or
intravenously and its results can be felt within five to twenty minutes
of dosing, though some of its effects can be experienced immediately.
Users of this drug are advised to take amino acids (especially
Taurine), Omega 3, CLA, ALA, and milk thistle to prevent liver toxicity
and depletion of taurine and potassium levels in the body. It binds
with the beta 2 adrenergic receptors found on cells throughout the body
that activate hormone sensitive lipase (an enzyme) to break up stored
fat into free fatty acids. Like Clen, Albuterol is a potent lipolytic
agent and can enhance the metabolic rate of an individual so that the
free fatty acids can be utilized for fuel. Use of this drug is made by
individuals with reversible obstructive airway disease and to help in
avoiding exercise-induced bronchospasm.
One of the biggest advantages associated with Albuterol is that it can
offer benefits like Clenbuterol but without the associated side effects
like shakes, sleeplessness, sweats, and increased heart rate. Albuterol
puts less strain on the heart and cardiovascular system. However,
Albuterol has a shorter half life; while the half life of Clen is 7-9
hours, Albuterol has a half life of only 3-4 hours. It has the ability
to increase protein synthesis and prevents muscle catabolism. Moreover,
many users of Albuterol who in the past have used Clenbuterol have
reported that they are able to focus more with Albuterol and it
produces a much "cleaner" type of stimulant effects compared to Clen.
If that was not all, body strength and endurance gains made with
Albuterol are better and quicker than with Clenbuterol besides being
nearly permanent.
Clenbuterol, on the other hand, is far better than Albuterol when it
comes to gaining body strength and muscle power. Moreover, this weight
and fat loss drug is more potent than Albuterol when it comes to fat
burning properties. In addition to that, Clen is cheaper and easily
available and can be taken once or twice a day unlike Albuterol that
needs to be taken thrice a day. In other words, Albuterol is the weaker
version of Clenbuterol but with fewer side effects. However, you can
easily eliminate side effects associated with Clenbuterol by using it
in a 2-day on and 2-day off cycle or a 3-week on and 3-week off cycle
and take at least 7-9 glasses of water throughout the Clenbuterol cycle
and ensure that you take Taurine and Potassium supplements besides
staying hydrated as Clen may deplete the levels of taurine and
potassium to some extent besides causing muscle cramps, in some cases.
Use of this weight and loss drug is associated with anti-catabolic
properties that are not seen with Albuterol and Clen is commonly used
with T3 Cytomel (12.5-25.0 mcg per day). A diet including moderate
carbohydrates (0.5g to 1g per lb of bodyweight), high protein (1.5g per
lb of bodyweight), and low fat (0.25g per lb of bodyweight) can easily
help Clenbuterol users realize their dreams without second thoughts and
deviations.
While use of Clenbuterol is associated with gains in the context of
muscle strength and size besides promoting fat and weight loss,
Albuterol has the ability to increase endurance and strength besides
reducing LDL (low-density lipoprotein, bad cholesterol), increasing HDL
(high-density lipoprotein, good cholesterol), and reducing total
cholesterol.
In short, while Clenbuterol seems to be the ideal choice for those who
want the “real thing” and can plan and act to eliminate associated side
effects, Albuterol is the mild version of Clen that is slowly gaining
popularity but still lag behind Clenbuterol by a very big margin.