Clenbuterol

Clenbuterol is indicated for the treatment of airway obstruction in horses. and as a uterine relaxant in cattle.

Equine Respiratory Disease: Clenbuterol is widely used in horses to manage airway obstruction caused by conditions such as severe equine asthma (SEA) and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), historically known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or “heaves”. Its actions include:
- Bronchodilation: Relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the airways to open the air passages.
- Mucociliary Clearance: Increasing the rate at which mucus is transported out of the airways.
- It is available in the United States by prescription as an oral syrup for horses only, and federal law prohibits its extra-label use in food animals.
Bovine Obstetrics (Cattle): In cattle and sheep, clenbuterol is used as a tocolytic agent (uterine relaxant). It is used in situations such as managing difficult births (dystocias) by relaxing uterine spasticity, aiding in C-sections and fetotomies, and temporarily postponing parturition (birth).
Reversible Airway Obstruction in Horses: Clenbuterol is used for the management of horses with reversible airway obstruction, such as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO, or “heaves”) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD). It helps by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways and increasing mucociliary transport, allowing for easier breathing.

Oral: This is the most common route, especially for horses.
- Syrup/Liquid Solution: The solution is typically measured using a special dispensing cap or syringe (without a needle) and administered directly into the animal’s mouth or mixed with a small amount of feed.
- Tablets/Granules: These are administered orally as well, often added to the feed.
Parenteral (Injection): Clenbuterol can also be administered by intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection, particularly in cattle for obstetrical uses like relaxing the uterus during a C-section.