Albuterol vs Clenbuterol? Benefits, Side Effects, the Right One!
Posted by Prescription Hope - See Editorial Guidelines (Last Updated On: Tue Feb 14 2023)
Albuterol and clenbuterol are two common medications associated with asthma and other respiratory health conditions. Choosing between albuterol vs clenbuterol often comes with several questions attached, from price and effectiveness, to how each works.
This article will give a clear breakdown of all you need to know about albuterol vs clenbuterol. Here’s a quick takeaway answer to get you started.
Albuterol vs. Clenbuterol? Albuterol and clenbuterol are used to treat asthma and COPD. Clenbuterol has also been used for muscular purposes and weight loss. The dosage for both depends on the medical condition. Clenbuterol is more effective but has greater potential side effects.
As far as pricing goes, albuterol is priced up to $60 or more, unless you obtain your prescriptions through our program for $60.00 a month through Prescription Hope’s medication access service. Clenbuterol’s price varies greatly depending on the location – more on that shortly.
Classifications – Albuterol vs Clenbuterol
Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs called bronchodilators. They’re used for the treatment of symptoms such as breathing difficulty, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, which are caused by lung diseases.
These lung diseases generally include asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
Albuterol can be used in children 2 years of age and older. But this form differs for each age category as albuterol is available as an aerosol, powder, and solution for oral inhalation.
Below is a breakdown of usage forms and the recommended age categories:
- Albuterol Inhalation Aerosol – adults and children 12 years of age and older
- Albuterol Inhalation Powder – Adults and children 4 years of age and older
- Albuterol inhalation Solution – Adults and children 2 years of age and older
Clenbuterol, on the other hand, falls into a class of drugs called beta2-agonists.
These are used for the treatment of asthma and sometimes for COPD. However, it’s also used as a weight-loss supplement, because of its effects of muscular growth and fat reduction. Apart from that, this is also used widely as a performance enhancement supplement for sports.
We should also state that the FDA has only approved a liquid form of clenbuterol for use with humans. So, if you’re looking to use clenbuterol, it’s only possible to get them prescribed outside of the United States.
In the U.S., many replace clenbuterol with albuterol. Sometimes albuterol is called the human version of clenbuterol.
Why Isn’t Clenbuterol FDA Approved?
Clenbuterol isn’t a steroid, but it does have some properties present that match with anabolic steroids.
This is why clenbuterol supports muscle mass and growth. This is also why clenbuterol has been used in livestock to increase the amount of lean muscle.
Clenbuterol was prohibited for use in livestock in the U.S in 1991 and Europe in 1996.
These countries also monitor tissue samples of livestock to search for the presence of clenbuterol. You can see the results/presence of Clenbuterol in livestock after they’ve been slaughtered.
Recently, clenbuterol has been observed to be an additive in street drugs like heroin. Because of these reasons, clenbuterol may not be approved for the treatment of medical conditions in humans, depending on where you live.
So, when it comes to choosing between albuterol vs clenbuterol, albuterol would be the safest choice.
How They Work – Albuterol vs Clenbuterol
Both albuterol and clenbuterol work the way most asthma medications work. They both serve to relax the airways and open up air passages to the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
However, clenbuterol, in addition to this mechanism, also burns fat, which is why they are used as a weight-loss supplement. It also increases your metabolic rate, which helps in muscular growth.
Dosage – Albuterol vs Clenbuterol
The exact dose of each medication will depend on each person’s needs and medical condition.
In general, Albuterol is prescribed to be inhaled by mouth every 4-6 hours. Never increase or reduce your dose away from what your doctor prescribes. Increasing the dosage of Albuterol more than prescribed can leave you with potentially fatal side effects.
If you’re using Albuterol for treating asthma brought about by exercise, it’s generally advised to take the medication 15-30 minutes before you start your exercise for greater effectiveness.
Clenbuterol, on the other hand, when taken for asthma, or any other lung conditions, the average recommended dosage is between 0.02 and 0.03 milligrams per day.
And similar to albuterol, they should be used only when needed and as prescribed by your doctor. Meaning, it doesn’t have to be used daily, but upon the conditions for which it was prescribed.
Clenbuterol comes in the form of a tablet or inhaler for the treatment of asthma or related health conditions.
Never stray away from the dose that has been prescribed to you by your doctor. Doing so can result in serious adverse reactions.
Side Effects – Albuterol vs Clenbuterol
Both albuterol and clenbuterol have side effects, especially when overused.
Side effects of albuterol include:
- Nervousness
- Shakiness
- Headache
- Throat or nasal irritation
- Muscle aches
In worse conditions, they can lead to
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Feelings of fluttering
- A pounding heart (palpitations)
Clenbuterol has the following side effects, which can be fatal and more serious than the side effects of albuterol. Remember, clenbuterol is not FDA approved.
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Heart palpitations
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Tremors
Price – Albuterol vs Clenbuterol
On average, albuterol and the inhaler cost around $30-$60. This price does not take into account insurance and will vary depending on your dose and the brand of medication.
The clenbuterol price varies greatly, depending on the location of purchase and, of course, the brand, but in the US, they are not sold (as they are not legal).
Effectiveness – Albuterol vs Clenbuterol
Overall, clenbuterol seems to be more effective than albuterol, but this does not come without risks. There are obvious reasons as to why the FDA has not approved clenbuterol and why it is considered illegal.
Due to clenbuterol’s properties, athletes have been known to use it for sports, although it’s illegal. Not only would it help treat shortness of breath, but it could improve their physical condition as well.
Even if it’s clear cut that clenbuterol is more effective than albuterol, the effectiveness can be short-term and can come with greater and more serious side effects.
Therefore, when you take all of this into account, it appears that albuterol may be the most effective since it is FDA approved and the healthiest option.
Conclusion
We can categorically state that if these two were even an option, then you should stick to Albuterol and follow any dosage advice of your doctor. It’s tempting to opt for the one that is stronger and has more potential benefits, but it is not worth risking your health.
If you’re struggling to afford your albuterol or other medication, then Prescription Hope may be able to help. Prescription Hope works with pharmaceutical manufacturers to help you receive your medication at a set, affordable cost. Enroll with us to find out if you are eligible to receive your prescription medications for $60.00 a month through Prescription Hope’s medication access service for each medication.
