Clenbuterol
Also known as: Ventipulmin, Aeropulmin, Spiropent, Broncodil, Ventilan
### Important Information for Horse Owners * **Purpose**: Clenbuterol is used to help open the airways in horses suffering from respiratory conditions like "heaves" (Recurrent Airway Obstruction). * **Side Effects**: You may notice your horse sweating, acting restless, or having muscle tremors, especially when starting the medication. Their heart rate may also increase. Contact your veterinarian if these signs are severe or persistent. * **Competition Rules**: This drug is strictly regulated or prohibited by many equine racing and show associations. Check with your specific organization regarding withdrawal times before competing. * **Human Safety Warning**: Keep this medication strictly out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals. Clenbuterol is sometimes illegally abused by humans for bodybuilding or weight loss, which can lead to severe, life-threatening heart issues. * **Food Animal Ban**: **Never** give this medication to animals intended for human consumption (cattle, pigs, sheep, etc.). It is illegal and causes severe poisoning in humans who eat the meat.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Bronchodilator
- Adjunctive treatment for dystocia emergencies
- Adjunctive treatment for dystocia emergencies
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Muscle tremors
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Urticaria
- Tachycardia
- Creatine kinase (CK) elevations
- Ataxia (rare)
- Abortion in pregnant animals
- Cardiac hypertrophy and collagen infiltration (with chronic use)
Cautions & contraindications
- Food-producing animals (strictly banned by law)
- Horses suspected of having cardiovascular impairment
- Pregnant mares near full-term (unless used specifically for dystocia management)
- > **LEGAL WARNING**: Extra-label use in food animals is strictly prohibited by federal law due to severe human toxicity risks. * **Cardiovascular Risk**: Use with extreme caution in horses with preexisting cardiac disease; tachycardia is a common side effect. * **Pregnancy**: Antagonizes oxytocin and prostaglandin F2alpha. Can diminish normal uterine contractility and induce abortion. Do not use in late-term pregnant mares unless specifically managing dystocia. * **Performance Horses**: Designated as an ARCI Class 3 Drug. Use is prohibited or highly regulated by racing and show associations. * **Drug Diversion**: Be highly alert for clients attempting to obtain this medication for illicit human use (bodybuilding/weight loss).
Drug interactions
- Inhalant Anesthetics (halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane): May predispose the patient to ventricular arrhythmias, particularly with preexisting cardiac disease.
- Beta-Blockers (e.g., propranolol): May antagonize clenbuterol's bronchodilating and tocolytic effects.
- Digoxin: May increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Dinoprost (Prostaglandin F2alpha): Clenbuterol may antagonize the ecbolic effects of dinoprost.
- Oxytocin: Clenbuterol may antagonize the uterine contracting effects of oxytocin.
- Other Sympathomimetic Amines (terbutaline, albuterol): Concomitant administration may enhance the adverse cardiovascular and neurologic effects of clenbuterol.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants or MAOIs: May potentiate the vascular effects of clenbuterol.
Frequently asked questions
What is Clenbuterol used for in pets?
### Important Information for Horse Owners * **Purpose**: Clenbuterol is used to help open the airways in horses suffering from respiratory conditions like "heaves" (Recurrent Airway Obstruction). * **Side Effects**: You may notice your horse sweating, acting restless, or having muscle tremors, especially when starting the medication. Their heart rate may also increase. Contact your veterinarian if these signs are severe or persistent. * **Competition Rules**: This drug is strictly regulated or prohibited by many equine racing and show associations. Check with your specific organization regarding withdrawal times before competing. * **Human Safety Warning**: Keep this medication strictly out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals. Clenbuterol is sometimes illegally abused by humans for bodybuilding or weight loss, which can lead to severe, life-threatening heart issues. * **Food Animal Ban**: **Never** give this medication to animals intended for human consumption (cattle, pigs, sheep, etc.). It is illegal and causes severe poisoning in humans who eat the meat.
Is Clenbuterol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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