Similar to nearly all sympathomimetic-based fat loss compounds, the dosage of Albuterol for the purposes of performance and physique enhancement is generally not very flexible.
Albuterol is used in almost the same manner as Clenbuterol or Ephedrine.
While its effects at the cellular level are the same as a Beta-2 receptor adrenergic agonist, Albuterol’s dosage and usage protocol actually more closely resemble Ephedrine rather than Clenbuterol.
The method of Albuterol administration is closer to Ephedrine due to the very similar half-lives of the two compounds (3-6 hours).
However, the general usage pattern for all stimulants intended for fat reduction is typically uniform as follows: a peak dose is selected, which is the maximum daily amount to be used during the fat loss cycle.
For the first few days of use (usually the first 1-2 weeks), the dose is slowly increased until the final maximum dose is reached, after which the peak dose is maintained for the duration of use.
Unlike Clenbuterol, which is measured in micrograms (mcg), Albuterol dosage is measured in milligrams (mg).
This is an important point to remember, as the varying dosage measurements between many stimulants, as well as various performance-enhancing drugs, can sometimes be very confusing (especially if one is unfamiliar with the chemistry, dosing guidelines, and measurements).
Albuterol, like Clenbuterol (and all Beta-2 receptor agonists), is a Beta-2 receptor agonist and therefore slowly down-regulates the Beta-2 receptors over time [1].
This is especially true with chronic daily dosing required for the fat loss effects from Albuterol use.
Beta-2 receptor down-regulation manifests as a reduction in effective fat loss over time until no additional fat loss from Albuterol occurs (this generally takes approximately 2-4 weeks, depending on the individual).
There are two methods for up-regulating these receptors; the first is complete abstinence from the drug (a minimum of 2 weeks or more).
The second method involves the use of Ketotifen, an antihistamine normally used for allergy treatment, to actively up-regulate these Beta-2 receptors [2].
In such a case, where Beta-2 receptor down-regulation is significant, Ketotifen can be used at 2mg every night before bed for 7 days.
This allows for continuous Albuterol use without a break.
Albuterol or any other stimulant should not be used chronically at fat loss dosages for periods longer than 8 weeks.
Medical Albuterol Dosage
Albuterol is used medically for the treatment and management of asthma, bronchospasm, and to a lesser extent, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
For these treatments, the typical Albuterol dosage is 2-4mg administered 3-4 times per day in tablet/oral form.
Each Albuterol dose should be taken at evenly spaced intervals to ensure plasma stimulant concentrations do not unnecessarily accumulate and overlap.
Albuterol Dosage for Fat Loss
Although Albuterol has demonstrated higher levels of proven anabolic ability in humans, it is utilized almost exclusively as a fat loss agent.
Nevertheless, the Albuterol dosage required for anabolic effects is exactly the same as that required for fat loss effects.
The Albuterol dosage for both goals is generally the same across all three user classes – beginner, intermediate, and advanced – due to the very low flexibility in dosages required for the various effects of stimulants like Albuterol.
As mentioned earlier, Albuterol must be ramped up slowly to the peak dose, and the optimal maximum dose can vary from individual to individual (some individuals are more sensitive to stimulants than others).
Therefore, one can slowly up-titrate the dose to assess tolerance and determine the most effective Albuterol dosage.
The maximum fat-burning Albuterol dosage is generally in the range of 16-24mg per day.
Given that almost all Albuterol tablets are dosed at 4mg per tablet, this would require a total of 4-8 tablets per day.
This maximum dose should be divided into equal portions administered throughout the day.
For example, if the maximum daily dose is 16mg, the user would typically administer 8mg twice a day or 4mg four times a day.
An example of this type of Albuterol dosing would be as follows:
Using a total of 24mg Albuterol per day (Maximum Dose)
– 8:00 AM: Take 8mg Albuterol
– 12:00 PM: Take 8mg Albuterol
– 4:00 PM: Take 8mg Albuterol
Albuterol dosing can be split into even more frequent administrations throughout the day than the example listed above, if the individual so desires.
It has already been mentioned twice that beginners or those very sensitive to stimulants must increase the dose slowly during the initial phase of use.
How quickly one increases the dose can also vary based on individual preference (some may prefer to increase the Albuterol dose every 3 days, while others may prefer to increase it every 6 days).
The following is a general example of dose escalation (also known as up-titration).
Albuterol Dosage
Outline of a proper ramp-up dose increase protocol (for a total final Albuterol dose of 24mg per day)
– Day 1: Albuterol 8mg
– Day 4: Albuterol 16mg
– Day 8: Albuterol 24mg
The user now maintains 24mg per day for the duration of the Albuterol cycle.
Female Albuterol Dosage
The female response to Albuterol is exactly the same as the male response, although there may be differences in the peak dose and/or the slow ramp-up period.
Females may react more sensitively to Albuterol dosage due to generally having lower total body mass and weight.
Females should adhere to the same up-titration protocol, paying closer attention to the individual’s response and capacity for comfort.
Once a comfortable and tolerable Albuterol dosage is reached, the female can stop at that dose and maintain it as her peak dose for the duration of use.
Proper Administration & When to Take Albuterol
With a half-life of 4-6 hours, Albuterol must be administered more frequently, multiple times per day, as described above.
Users typically administer Albuterol in 3-4 (or more, depending on user preference) equal portions throughout the day.
Those who prefer Albuterol over Clen often do so because its shorter half-life results in almost no interference with sleep patterns at night compared to Clenbuterol, allowing for almost all administration to occur in the early part of the day.
Albuterol Use Expectations & Results
In conjunction with a caloric deficit and a proper training program, Albuterol can increase fat metabolism and aid in body fat reduction, typically resulting in an additional 2-4 lbs (1-2 kg) of fat loss per month from Albuterol use alone.
In a caloric surplus, Albuterol can actually result in a small but noticeable (though never dramatic) increase in strength and muscle mass.
Albuterol Side Effects
Albuterol shares the side effects common to almost all other sympathomimetic compounds.
In the case of Albuterol side effects specifically, they tend to be much closer to its closest ‘relative’ for all intents and purposes, Clenbuterol, so it is logically reasonable for these side effects to manifest.
However, Albuterol is renowned for having side effects that are far less pronounced, milder, and more tolerable than its sibling compound, Clenbuterol.
One of the desirable characteristics of Albuterol mentioned earlier in this profile is its short half-life, and the second desirable characteristic is its ability to exhibit a notable amount of muscle anabolic activity.
The third desirable characteristic is the fact that many users report Albuterol side effects being tolerable and much milder than most other stimulant-based fat loss agents, even Ephedrine.
Among Albuterol side effects, “anxiety” and tremors (shaky hands) are noticeably less severe than with Clenbuterol, and as reported by many users, the impact on blood pressure is significantly less.
Common Albuterol Side Effects (Common Stimulant Side Effects)
However, Albuterol is not entirely without potential side effects and, as mentioned, exhibits those commonly found with stimulants.
These include increased blood pressure, headache, dizziness (lightheadedness, vertigo), sleep disturbances and/or insomnia, nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, anxiety, and increased sweating (often caused by elevated body temperature due to Albuterol’s effect on metabolism).
These Albuterol side effects can vary depending on the dosage, how quickly the dose was increased, and the individual’s sensitivity to stimulants.
There are less common and rare side effects associated with Albuterol and stimulants (primarily related to overdose), including tachycardia (rapid heart rate), irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, severe anxiety, panic, severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Specific and Notable Albuterol Side Effects
Tremors
Also known as “shaky hands” or ‘the shakes’, this is a common side effect with all Beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists and is also a hallmark side effect of Clenbuterol.
However, while Albuterol side effects do include hand tremors, this is one of the side effects reported to be far less severe than with Clenbuterol.
Many users also report that this side effect tends to subside much more quickly (compared to Clenbuterol) as the body steadily becomes accustomed to the Albuterol with consistent use.
This side effect is mostly caused by the stimulant properties of the drug and will eventually subside as the body becomes accustomed to its use.
Sweating
Increased sweat (perspiration) is a common side effect of Beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, generally resulting from increased body temperature due to heightened fat metabolism.
This increase in body temperature should generally not be more than approximately 0.5-1 degree above normal baseline body temperature, sometimes slightly more.
This temperature increase is rarely uncomfortable but can often result in heavy sweating (especially if the surrounding environment is hot).
Bodybuilders and athletes often actually expect this Albuterol side effect, as the temperature increase often indicates that fat metabolism has increased.
Muscle Cramps
This is actually an Albuterol side effect very unique to selective Beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists and is experienced to an equal extent as Clenbuterol.
Muscle cramps are extremely common when using these compounds, especially during the first few weeks of use.
Studies have shown that the use of Beta-2 agonists like Albuterol and Clenbuterol results in the depletion of the amino acid Taurine levels in both muscle tissue and serum plasma [3] [4].
Taurine, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium all play key crucial roles in regulating the bio-electrical nerve stimulation and nerve signaling functions that control the contraction and relaxation of all types of muscle tissue.
When Taurine is depleted, it causes a disruption in these bodily functions, and the result is involuntary and often painful muscle cramping.
These cramps are often initiated by an involuntary contraction of the muscle, which is then often followed by further contraction of the muscle into a state that the individual cannot control.
A simple solution to this problem is to supplement with approximately 2.5-5g of Taurine daily while taking Albuterol.
Albuterol side effects are also a factor of the individual’s response.
Albuterol Reference Citations
[1] Effects of dietary clenbuterol and simaterol on muscle composition, beta-adrenergic and androgen receptor concentrations in broiler chickens. Schiavon A, Tarantola M, Perona G, Pagliarisi S, Badiani P, Odore R, Cuniberti B, Lussiana C.. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2004 Apr;88(3-4):94-100.
[2] Effect of ketotifen and clenbuterol on beta-adrenergic receptor functions of lymphocytes and on plasma TXB-2 levels in asthmatic patients. Huszar E, Herjavecz I, Bozormenyi-Nagy G, Slapke J, Schrieber J, Debreczeni LA. Z Erkr Atmungsorgane. 1990;175(3):141-6.
[3] Effect of the beta 2-agonist clenbuterol on the Taurine levels of rat heart and other tissues. Amino Acids. Doheny MH, Waterfield CJ, Timbrell JA. 1998;15(1-2):13-25.
[4] Effect of beta-agonist treatment on tissue and urinary taurine levels in rats. Mechanisms and implications for protection. Waterfield CJ, Carvalho F, Timbrell JA. 1996;403:233-45.
