title: London 2012: prescribing for athletes in ophthalmology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Prescribing for athletes requires an up-to-date knowledge of the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited substances. As the London 2012 Olympic Games attract athletes from around the world, we review the current guidelines with respect to all medications licensed for ophthalmic use in the United Kingdom. We describe the process that an ophthalmologist can use to check for permissible medications and also highlight treatments that are contraindicated.
  
  
  METHODS
  We systematically reviewed all 77 drugs listed in Section 11 of the British National Formulary (Issue 63) for use in the treatment of ophthalmic conditions, and referenced these against the 2012 Prohibited List published by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of ophthalmic preparations are suitable for use in- and out-of-competition. Some preparations, such as glucocorticoids, are prohibited when administered systemically but permitted for topical administration. Beta-blockers are prohibited in-competition and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are prohibited in- and out-of competition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 2012 Prohibited List has important implications for the pharmacological treatment of ophthalmic conditions in athletes. Clinicians prescribing for athletes have a duty to familiarize themselves with the list in order to avoid causing significant damage to their patient's career and reputation.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK.
authors: R G H
authors: RG
authors: Nicholson
authors: G P L
authors: GP
authors: Thomas
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Potter
authors: J H
authors: JH
authors: Norris
mesh_terms: D056352:Athletes; D004300:Doping in Sports / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D057970:Inappropriate Prescribing / Q000517:prevention & control; D008131:London; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000592:standards*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010602:Pharmacopoeias as Topic; D010819:Physician's Role; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations