The production, sale and use of clenbuterol hydrochloride tablets has been banned by China, according to a statement posted on the State Food and Drug Administration’s (SFDA) website Thursday.
Clenbuterol hydrochloride tablets are primarily used for bronchial asthma treatments and have been used illegally by farmers to make their pigs leaner.
According to the statement, the tablets’ risks, including side effects and potential for abuse, outweigh its benefits. If abused for a lengthy period, clenbuterol tablets can have serious negative effects on cardiopulmonary functions, the SFDA said, citing the results of a review program that has been underway since 2009.
Existing clenbuterol tablets will be destroyed under the supervision of local food and drug authorities.
Compound clenbuterol, as well as aerosol and powdered forms of the drug, do not fall under the ban because they are considered safe to use as prescription drugs under a doctor's guidance, according to the SFDA.
The ban will also not affect bronchial asthma patients who are currently receiving the tablet form of clenbuterol.
