Clenbuterol

Description

Clenbuterol is a newer-generation bronchodilator used in the treatment of COPD, known as "heaves." It works by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the airways and opening the passages. It also loosens excess mucus.

Usage

Clenbuterol, along with good stable management that reduces the horse's exposure to dust and to high ammonia concentrations from urine in poorly ventilated stalls, is used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Horse owners and handlers sometimes use clenbuterol as a performance-enhancing drug in racehorses.

Clenbuterol is sometimes used with sick foals in respiratory distress due to pneumonia.

Dosage and Administration

Bronchospasm:

Side Effects

Drug side effects are unlikely with clenbuterol, but may include increased heart rate, trembling, excitement, and sweating.

Precautions

Clenbuterol should not be used in horses with heart problems because of increased heart rate.

Clenbuterol is FDA-approved for use in horses and is a prescription-only drug. U.S. federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian.

It is prohibited or regulated in most sanctioned competitions. Check with the individual regulatory group for rules and restrictions.

Interactions

Drug interactions may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects if used in combination with other drugs that have a similar mechanism of action. It may also counteract the effects of prostaglandin and oxytocin used in some countries to prevent premature labor and to decrease uterine contractions during difficult delivery.

Overdose

Drug overdose increases the risk and severity of side effects mentioned above.