Ventipulmin

General Drug Information and Indications

Clenbuterol hydrochloride (beta-2 agonist) for bronchodilation and management of recurrent airway obstruction (heaves/RAO) in horses; FDA-approved equine bronchodilator. Beta-2 adrenergic agonist bronchodilator (clenbuterol HCl). Mechanism: stimulates beta-2 receptors on bronchial smooth muscle → adenylyl cyclase activation → increased cAMP → smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation. More selective and longer-acting than albuterol. Also has anti-inflammatory effects on airway mucosa. FDA-approved for horses (oral syrup). Prohibited in racehorses (competition withdrawal times apply). Key information Clenbuterol — bronchodilator for horses. USEF prohibited substance — significant withdrawal time required. Store at room temperature. Dose titration required. Not for use in horses intended for human consumption.

How to Give this Medication

Oral syrup: Administer orally via dose syringe placed at the back of the tongue, or mix into a small amount of palatable feed. via dose syringe or mixed into grain. Administer twice daily at consistent times. Wear gloves (prohibited substance residue). Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within a few hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.

Side Effects

Cardiovascular: tachycardia, sweating, mild tremors (beta-2 sympathomimetic). Hypokalemia (beta-2 mediated K+ shift). Excitement/nervousness in some horses. Prohibited in competition horses (lengthy detection times in urine). GI: anorexia (transient with initiation).

Precautions

For animals Prohibited in competition horses — extended urine detection time. Avoid in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, or hypertension. Monitor heart rate. Drug interaction: beta-blockers antagonize effects. Not approved for use in food-producing animals. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Beta-2 agonist — prohibited in competition horses. Wear gloves when handling syrup. Cardiovascular stimulant — avoid accidental ingestion. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian immediately. Clenbuterol overdose causes rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, sweating, and low potassium. Cardiac monitoring required.

Ventipulmin dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
VENTIPULMIN 100 ML 72.5 MCG/ML SYRUP72.5 MCG/MLSyrup1Commercial
VENTIPULMIN 330 ML 72.5 MCG/ML SYRUP72.5 MCG/MLSyrup1Commercial
VENTIPULMIN 460 ML 72.5 MCG/ML SYRUP: CLENBUTEROL HCL72.5 MCG/MLSyrup1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Recurrent Airway Obstruction in Horses; Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com); FDA-approved label (Ventipulmin, Boehringer Ingelheim)