Clenbuterol has recently become one of the most talked about substances on WADA’s banned list, since minute traces were found in a sample given by defending Tour de France champion Alberto Contador, during the second rest day of this years event. It has since been muted to be commonly used by certain riders in the peloton as it stimulates the production of lean muscle mass and burns fat, two tempting factors for the athlete willing to cheat. We did some research to see if there were any side effects or warnings are associated with the drug’s use, feeling these should be made known to those seduced by the gains, illegal or otherwise.
Clenbuterol is considered an anabolic drug and was primarily developed to treat ailments of the lung, the most common being asthma. Other than being a powerful bronchodilator, Clenbuterol acts as a central nervous system stimulant, and it is this that affects the fat/muscle percentages artificially. Clenbuterol was approved over a decade ago for use in treating respiratory disease in horses; but 20 years ago it was in common usage to increase muscle mass and reduce fat in livestock. In Europe, Clenbuterol was banned because in countries where it had a large presence in the food chain, people became ill after eating animals fed the substance. Although a dangerous drug it important to note that the toxic effects of clenbuterol ‘residues’ have been described as fairly mild. In the USA the FDA considers all effects (including unintended) on humans to be unacceptable. It has half-life of 36-39 hours.
The side effects of ‘Clen’ (as the bodybuilding community have long christened it) are predictable for a drug of this nature. Users feel anxious, get heart palpitations, tremors, sweating, decreased appetite and nausea. However, clenbuterol is extremely potent. You only need a small dose to get the full effect and the side effects. The scientific community has yet to acquire knowledge of the long term adverse effects of misuse with higher than prescribed doses. For a drug with a high abuse potential this is not sufficient and requires further research. The primary manufactures also warn of heart arrhythmia, heart damage, and heart failure.
This is backed up by the FDA who warn that illegal use of clenbuterol could lead to illness or death in persons handling the drug itself, the drug affects the human cardiovascular system in a hazardous way via occupational inhalation exposure*.
In 2010, 13 athletes were banned after testing positive for the drug, affecting the integrity of swimming, cycling, badminton, weight lifting, athletics, hockey and tennis.
* (greater than via ingestion in food).
Alberto Contador is currently suspended whilst his case is pending before the Spanish cycling federation. A decision on his case is expected soon.
Comments
John 19.01.2011 at 11:42pm
I just found that it's classified as anabolic agent in WADA's list. Good joke...
John 19.01.2011 at 11:36pm
Let's be honest! Look on the clenbuterol research. It can really help you with respiratory sytem, but it hasn't any anabolic properties in humans! Just show me ONE reference about clen being anabolic drug in humans. No way
Jr Johnson 26.12.2010 at 10:06pm
Team RadioShack’s Fuyu Li, have tested positive for non-negative levels of Clenbuterol. Li’s levels were 0.05-0.10 ng/mL, As 'minute' as Contador's sample, and he received a two year ban from the sport. All eyes on Spain.
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