|
|
|
Written by William Llewellyn
|
|
Monday, 13 July 2009 |
Clenbuterol Poisoning
If you ever wondered what an accidental overdose of clenbuterol looks like, a clinical report was released recently on just such an event (J Med Toxicol, 2007 Jun;3(2):56-60). The report details the hospital admission of a 31-year-old man 30 minutes after administering a dose of clenbuterol significantly in excess of that intended. The drug used was Ventipulmin Syrup, a liquid form of clenbuterol often used in veterinary medicine. The drug was presented in a concentration of 72.5mcg per milliliter. The dosage used by the man was 1.5ml, or 108.75 micrograms of clenbuterol. Clenbuterol is not approved for use in humans in the United States, but is a common beta-2 agonist used to treat asthma in many other countries. It is also used widely by athletes and bodybuilders in the United States and abroad (off-label) for its thermogenic and perceived low-level anabolic effects. Human forms of clenbuterol are generally supplied in low-dosed syrups or tablets of 20mcg each.
The report begins by stating that the individual made a tenfold dosing error. This means that the intended dose was approximately 10mcg, or ½ tablet (standard human dosage) worth of clenbuterol. The possibility for such an error is not unrealistic, as human syrups in much lower concentrations are very common. Spiropent, for example, is widely sold in syrups of 5mcg per 5ml (1mcg/ml). In this case, the veterinary version of Ventipulmin was intended for a much larger animal and hence would require a higher concentration of drug. Not noticing the error, the individual took approximately 5.5 tablets of clenbuterol at once. Although not an “extreme” overdose, it was sufficient enough in this case to produce a number of very troubling side effects. Upon admission to the hospital, the man was in an anxious state, with complaints of shortness of breath and heart palpitations. An examination of his vital signs showed slightly elevated blood pressure (122/77) and an extreme heart rate of 254 beats per minute. Electrocardiogram (ECG) confirmed that the man was suffering from supraventricular tachycardia, characterized by a highly repaid heart rhythm and reduced cardiac efficiency. After unsuccessful treatment with the drugs adenosine and diltiazem, a third drug— esmolol— was given to help stabilize heart rhythm. He remained in the hospital for three days before stabilization and discharge. While this story did not have a tragic ending, it does emphasize the strong care that should be taken with potent stimulant drugs like clenbuterol. Furthermore, given the very high potency of this agent, which is measured in very small microgram dosages, I think it underlines the fine line between dose and overdose that could arise from mistakes or incorrect or sloppy product assembly. In other words, take extra care with your measuring and stay away from underground forms of clenbuterol.
Clenbuterol-Spiked Supplement (Again)
In light of the last report, this recently published laboratory analysis of a dietary supplement called “Anabolic Burner” also makes for somewhat troubling news this month. It follows a growing trend of “spiking,” which refers to the illegal and unlabeled inclusion of active prescription or designer drugs in dietary supplements. This is done for the purpose of increasing general efficacy and sales. Anabolic steroids are the most common form of drug spiking in the dietary supplement industry, often used in muscle-building products. Also popular, however, is the use of Viagra analogs in libido products and clenbuterol or other stimulants in fat loss and Energy Supplements. This particular supplement, which was labeled as an herbal fat-loss product, actually contained a dose of 30mcg of clenbuterol per tablet, unbeknownst to the buyer. This, remember, is 1.5 times the standard dose used with prescription clenbuterol tablets. Furthermore, it would only have taken the ingestion of 3.5 tablets to reach a roughly equivalent dose as seen in the above clenbuterol poisoning report.
Low Anabolic Hormones and Poor Health
A lot of evidence has been surfacing as of late supporting a relationship between low testosterone levels and increased mortality in older men. Or on the inverse, supporting that maintaining optimal levels of this hormone can reduce mortality. The cardiovascular benefits of “healthy” testosterone levels, especially in aging populations, seem to be key here. Expanding on this body of research, a study published this month (Arch Intern Med, 2007 Nov 12;167(20):2249) looks at not one but three separate anabolic hormones (testosterone, IGF-1 and DHEA) and their relationships, individually and together, with health in older men. The group analyzed consisted of 410 men aged 65 years or older. The results showed that compared with men possessing hormone levels within the normal range, those with low levels of anabolic hormones had an increased level of mortality. The figures, expressed in terms of hazard ratio for mortality, were 1.47 for testosterone, 1.85 for IGF-1 and 2.29 for DHEA. Once fully adjusted for other factors, a statistically significant relationship between mortality and reduced anabolic hormone levels occurred only in the group with dysfunction of all three hormones. The results suggest that not only testosterone, but the GH/IGF-1 axis and DHEA production, may all be important to maintaining optimal health in old age.
Insulin Urine Tests?
Sports officials are literally at their wits’ end trying to deal with what are being referred to as “performance-enhancing drug loopholes.” By this they are referring to the gaps between the large body of drugs known to be available (and banned) by sports organizations, and the drive to develop reliable testing procedures for identifying their use by athletes. Principles among these are two very effective hormones— human growth hormone and insulin. Both are produced in the human body naturally, which makes detection difficult. There is presently no method in place for identifying the illegal use of either in human urine. Scientists have strong incentive to develop such testing methods, however, and have been working hard on both fronts. Thus far, the success has been very limited. This year, some progress has been made with insulin, as reported in a recent journal article (Anal Chem, 2007 Mar 15;79(6):2518-24). It discloses methods for detecting Lantus (insulin glargine), a long-acting synthetic insulin analog. The work was successful largely because insulin glargine is not natural to the human body and as such, metabolites of this synthetic hormone found in the urine immediately point to its use. The scientists, however, were unsuccessful with the detection of Levemir (insulin detemir) and regular human insulin in the same study. The latter of which is most commonly used by athletes anyway and is bioidentical to human insulin. While this paper may seem hopeful to some in the sports organizations looking for detection methods for insulin, we must remember it is success in finding only one slow-acting (rarely used) synthetic analog and has done nothing for enabling the detection of regular (most commonly used) insulin.
SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS OR STEROID BOXES, AND GET ANABOLICS 7th Edition (2008) FREE! I want to know what’s on your mind. If I use your question or put a photograph of your steroid box in this column, you get a free copy of ANABOLICS! Remember to send EMPTY steroid boxes only! Questions/boxes can be mailed to William Llewellyn, c/o Body of Science, 5500 Military Trail #22-318, Jupiter FL 33458. Please remember to include your mailing address when sending.
Editor’s Note: William Llewellyn’s critically acclaimed steroid reference guide is entering its 9th year of publication. The latest volume, “ANABOLICS 7th Edition (2008),” can be ordered by calling 888-828-8008, or visiting www.anabolicsbook.com.
|
|
Chemical Enhancement 
