title: Ergogenic effects of inhaled beta2-agonists in non-asthmatic athletes.
abstract: The potential ergogenic effects of asthma medication in athletes have been controversially discussed for decades. The prevalence of asthma is higher in elite athletes than in the general population. The highest risk for developing asthmatic symptoms is found in endurance athletes and swimmers. In addition, asthma seems to be more common in winter-sport athletes. Asthmatic athletes commonly use inhaled beta2-agonists to prevent and treat asthmatic symptoms. However, beta2-agonists are prohibited according to the "Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency" (WADA). Until the end of 2009 an exception was only allowed for the substances formoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, and terbutaline by inhalation, as long as a so-called therapeutic use exemption has been applied for and was granted by the relevant anti-doping authorities. From 2010 salbutamol and salmeterol are allowed by inhalation requiring a so called declaration of use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive and Rehabilitative Sports Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany. wolfarth@sport.med.tum.de
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wolfarth
authors.forename: Jan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wuestenfeld
authors.forename: Wilfried
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kindermann
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000693:Anaerobiosis / Q000187:drug effects; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004300:Doping in Sports / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000187:drug effects; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists