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DRUGS IN SPORT
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The use of chemicals
(drugs) to enhance competitive performance in sport is in
direct conflict with the basic principles of fairness and sportmanship. As
modern analytical techniques are now sufficiently sensitive
to detect any substance (whether taken deliberately
or unintentionally), it is important to be familiar
with permitted and banned medicines. The guidelines
which follow will assist in the dilemma of distinguishing between
acceptable and non-acceptable medicines for the treatment of minor ailments,
especially over-the-counter remedies obtainable without a doctor's
prescription.
COLD AND FLU PRODUCTS
======================
These are virtually all
off-limits as they contain stimulants such as ephedrine,
phenyephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine and caffeine. The
aches and fever of flu may be safely treated with aspirin or paracetamol.
COUGH
PREPERATIONS
===================
Most cough supressants
contain codeine or related products which are prohibited.
The cough suppressants dextromethorphan and pholcodine are allowed.
Certain medicines used for tight chests (asthma) are also banned except
when used in aerosols (inhalers).
PAIN KILLERS (ANALGESICS)
========================
Any pain killer containing
codeine or a related compound is banned i.e. most
"strong" analgesics may not be used. Plain aspirin, ibuprofen
and paracetamol are acceptable.
APPETITE SUPPRESSANTS
=====================
These generally contain
stimulants such as norpseudoephedrine and may not be
used.
WATER TABLETS (DIURETICS) *
===========================
These are used in the
management of various heart problems such as high-blood pressure,
but are banned substances (for rapid mass loss).
BETA-BLOCKERS *
===============
They are used in the
treatment of high blood presure and are not allowed in sports
requiring a steady hand e.g. archery/shooting. In endurance sports they
would markedly decrease performance.
TONICS AND VITAMIN
SUPPLEMENTS
==============================
These may be used provided
they do not contain stimulants (e.g. caffeine or S5
medicines*)
A NOTE ON CAFFEINE ...
A test for caffeine is only
regarded as positive when the urinary con-centration exceeds 12 micrograms
per ml. The social intake of several cups of coffe,
tea, cocoa or cola drinks over a short period may result in the legal
limit being overstepped.
OTHER MEDICINES
================
Antibiotics,
antidiarrhoeals, antihistamines and some antihypertensives are permitted
medicines.
The above types of
medicines should be used with caution; however, remember that
this list is not exhaustive. Always check products before use. If you
are still in doubt your pharmacist, with his/her
comprehensive knowledge of medicines, will be able
to give you a definite answer.
WHEN IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT
OUT!
===========================
In the best interests of
health, athletes should not exercise for 2-3 days if
suffering from minor ailments (runny nose or sore throat). Athletes with
fever, cough or aches (flu) should not train for 7-10 days
to avoid undue strain on the heart.
* Prescription-only
medicines
Copyright (c) 1992 South
African Druggists Ltd.
(r) Registered Trademark
South African Druggist Ltd.
NB !!!! The rules on the
banning of medicines change regulary these are
just guidelines and may be
out of date, please consult your
pharmacist on the newest
banned medicines.
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