[medical citation needed] Clenbuterol is a β2 agonist with some structural and pharmacological similarities to epinephrine and salbutamol, but its effects are more potent and longer-lasting as a stimulant and thermogenic drug.

Persons self-administering the drug for weight loss or to improve athletic performance have experienced nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, palpitations, tachycardia, and myocardial infarction.

known to the mainstream, particularly through publicized stories of use by celebrities such as Victoria Beckham,[9] Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan,[13] for its off-label use as a weight-loss drug similar to usage of other sympathomimetic amines such as ephedrine, despite the lack of sufficient clinical testing either supporting or negating such use.

In 2021, Odalis Santos Mena, a Mexican fitness influencer, died after suffering a cardiac arrest while being anesthetized for a procedure of miraDry, a treatment that uses thermal energy to eliminate underarm sweat glands.

A common misconception about clenbuterol is that it has anabolic properties, and can increase muscle mass when used in higher dosages.

[15] As of 2011, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) listed Clenbuterol as an anabolic agent, despite the fact there is no evidence to suggest this is the case.

One issue is that clenbuterol is a food contaminant in some countries; doping control must distinguish between accidental and deliberate intake.

[24] In February 2009, at least 70 people in one Chinese province (Guangdong) suffered food poisoning after eating pig organs believed to contain clenbuterol residue.

The victims complained of stomach aches and diarrhea after eating pig organs bought in local markets.

A total of 72 people in central Henan Province, where Shuanghui is based, were taken into police custody for allegedly producing, selling, or using clenbuterol.