What is the purpose of Clenbuterol?

Clenbuterol is a sympathomimetic amine indicated for the treatment of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, acute bronchitis, or stress urinary incontinence. It comes in the form of tablets, with each containing 10 micrograms of Clenbuterol. Although Neurologists may prescribe Clenbuterol for off-label treatment of people suffering from ALS, it has not been officially approved for this use.

How does Clenbuterol work?

Clenbuterol is a sympathomimetic amine that can duplicate the effects of compounds generated by the nervous system. It binds to and activates beta2 receptors, signaling muscle cells in the airways or bladder to relax. As a result, airways widen, and pressure and contraction of the bladder are relieved. Clenbuterol stimulates the production of NGF, a hormone involved in the growth and replication of nerves, aiding ALS patients.

Clinical trials

The Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan, approved Clenbuterol to treat bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, acute bronchitis, or stress urinary incontinence. It may also have been approved in other regions.

How is Clenbuterol administered?

The official prescribing information contains comprehensive information about Clenbuterol dosage and administration, and patients should consult their physicians for dosing.

What are the potential side effects or adverse reactions of Clenbuterol?

Nervousness, high heart rate (tachycardia), narrowed blood vessels (stenosis), high blood pressure (hypertension), and an excessive production of thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis) are among the reported side effects.

Is Clenbuterol safe for pregnant women?

As of yet, there is no data on whether Clenbuterol causes fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Patients should seek medical advice before using this medication.

For a full list of potential side effects and adverse reactions, please refer to the information provided below.

Clinical trials

Respiratory Conditions

Clenbuterol’s efficacy was examined in a clinical trial of 19 patients with bronchial asthma having reversible airway obstruction, where half were given 40 mcg clenbuterol while the other half received a placebo. The primary outcome was to assess lung function, which showed increased bronchodilation in patients who were treated with clenbuterol with minimal side effects.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Clenbuterol’s impact on muscle function has been studied in various clinical trials. However, it is crucial to note that Clenbuterol has not yet been authorized for the treatment of ALS, and it is sometimes prescribed by neurologists for off-label use in patients suffering from it.

Study A involved 20 healthy individuals, where the effects of clenbuterol on muscle strength were examined before and after knee surgery. Participants were either given clenbuterol or a placebo for four weeks as part of the study. Another trial (study B) included 14 ALS patients already receiving riluzole for treatment, and clenbuterol was administered to them as a safety and efficacy measure. These patients received 20 mcg of clenbuterol thrice a day for six months.

The findings revealed that Clenbuterol has therapeutic potential in treating muscle-wasting conditions. The operated leg of those who received the treatment recovered faster, while the unoperated leg’s knee muscle showed increased strength six weeks after treatment. Nevertheless, both groups did not differ significantly in terms of absolute strength.

The main efficacy outcomes of study B were Myometer and Medical Research Center (MRC) scores for the upper and lower limbs and mean forced vital capacity (FVC), which measures lung function. Clenbuterol’s impact over the six-month course significantly improved the Myometer score for both lower and upper limbs. Though the MRC score reveals a trend towards improvement, its significance was not statistically proven. The FVC score showed significant signs of improvement six months after treatment and revealed improvement tendencies after three months.

Though these trials showed positive development, it is important to note that the ALS-Functional Rating Scale score remained unaffected. Presently, an ongoing clinical trial is examining clenbuterol’s safety, tolerability (in oral administration), and impact on motor function in ALS patients.