January 2010: Pseudoephedrine on the 2010 Prohibited ListThe World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) reintroduced pseudoephedrine to the Prohibited List in 2010. Pseudoephedrine is found in many over-the-counter medicines used as cough and cold remedies, hayfever and decongestant treatments.
It is Prohibited In-Competition at urinary concentrations >150 mg/mlPseudoephedrine, Advice to Athletes:
- Stop taking any pseudoephedrine containing products at least 24 hrs before competition
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the use of alternative permitted medications for therapeutic use during in-competition periods, or apply for a TUE for the use of pseudoephedrine
Athletes can easily check out what over-the-counter medications, bought in the Republic of Ireland, are prohibited or permitted in sport by checking the 'Drugs in Sport Database' on www.eirpharm.com. Medications bought in Northern Ireland should be checked on www.globaldro.com If you check www.eirpharm.com you will see that a high proportion of cold and flu treatments contain pseudoephedrine e.g. Benylin four Flu, Day Nurse, Nurofen Cold and Flu. Pseudoephedrine is also found in some cough treatments e.g. Robitussin Plus, Benylin Dual Action Chesty. The cough and decongestant medication Casacol is also prohibited in competition.
Athletes who are required to take a prohibited medication for a legitimate medical reason may apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Check out www.irishsportscouncil.ie/Anti-Doping/TUEs_and_Medicines for information on TUE Applications. Remember athletes selected for doping control must remember to declare the use of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications and supplements taken in the last 14 days on the doping control form.
Click here to read Additional Commentary from WADA on the re-introduction of Pseudoephedrine.
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