Clenbuterol information

Also known as

Other names:

• 1-(4-Amino-3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-(tert-butylamino) ethanol hydrochloride

Brand names:

• Clen
• Ventipulmin
• Dilaterol

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval

Clenbuterol is not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List 2025

Clenbuterol is a prohibited substance listed under section S1.2 Other Anabolic Agents. S1 Anabolic Agents are prohibited at all times and are non-Specified Substances.

This substance meets at least two of the following three criteria, as determined by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

• It has the potential to enhance or does enhance sports performance
• It poses an actual or potential health risk to the athlete
• It violates the spirit of sport (as defined in The Code).

The Prohibited List is updated yearly after consultation with scientific, medical, and anti-doping experts to ensure that it aligns with the latest medical and scientific evidence and doping trends.

What is it?

Clenbuterol is a prohibited beta-2 agonist with anabolic properties. It is known to be used illegally in agriculture to promote growth, posing a serious risk of food contamination and poisoning, particularly in China, Mexico, Portugal, Italy, and Guatemala.

See below link for more information regarding meat contamination:

How does it work?

Clenbuterol activates the β-adrenoreceptors which are located throughout the body. Stimulation results in various effects including bronchodilation (relaxation of airway muscles), increase in muscle mass, vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and reduction of fat.

Uses

Clenbuterol is not approved for human consumption in Australia. Clenbuterol can only be obtained for veterinary use in Australia with a valid prescription and must be administered by a veterinary surgeon.

Adverse health effects and risk

There are numerous documented cases in literature of adverse effects from Clenbuterol, including from high doses, therapeutic doses, and food poisoning.

Furthermore, Clenbuterol has been associated with multiple fatalities both when used alone and in conjunction with other substances.

Adverse events are seen in the heart, liver, kidney, muscles, lungs, endocrine glands and the brain.

What if an athlete has been prescribed Clenbuterol for a medical condition?

A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) would not be granted for the use of Clenbuterol. 

For more information visit Therapeutic Use Exemptions.