Pharmacists play a crucial role in the provision of specific information related to athletes to prevent the use of prohibited substances, manage therapy by medicines and improve sports performance.1,2 Strong knowledge of clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapy is essential for sports pharmacists, allowing them to support the overall health of athletes while guaranteeing compliance with anti -doping regulations.3.4 The use of prohibited substances to improve sports performance is known as doping, but athletes often take on plant supplements and products to improve their performance, sometimes leading to involuntary doping and associated complications.4
Roles of pharmacists in sport
Pharmacists can collaborate with the World Anti -Doping Agency | Image credit: Gibster | Stock.adobe.com
Doping control
The use of substances improving performance existed from ancient times, with examples including plants based on plants such as mushrooms, strychnine and sesame seeds. To prevent the abuse of drugs and minimize harmful effects, pharmacists can collaborate with the World Anti -Doping Agency (AMA), created in 2000, to understand the consumption of ethical and non -ethical drugs in sports.5.6
Several drugs are prohibited by the AMA, including amphetamines and their derivatives. Athletes with asthma require advice on approved anti-asthmatic drugs. Beta-2 agonists, for example, are limited due to their potential effects for improving performance. However, inhaled salbutamol (albiterol) and salmeterol are allowed for relief of asthma symptoms. The use of salbutamol should not exceed 1600 mcg per day, as stipulated by anti -doping regulations.6
Provide pharmaceutical care in sports
Injuries and illnesses are common in athletes, requiring medication for recovery. Pharmacists play a crucial role in identifying potential drug interactions and harmful effects and ensuring safe use of drugs according to their expertise in pharmacology and pharmacotherapy.7
A current interaction occurs between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-asthmatic drugs, which can cause serious side effects in athletes.8.9 The education of athletes on the risks of stimulants such as amphetamines, caffeine and anabolic steroids is also vital, because these substances are commonly used as ergogne aid but can have significant health risks.10
Implementation of sports pharmacy programs
Sports pharmacy programs in universities have benefited student-athletes considerably by providing specialized health services, monitoring of medicines and education on safe drug use.11 The advanced experiences of pharmacy practice in sports pharmacy, incorporating medicinal chemistry, have improved the ability of student pharmacists to educate athletes and sports personnel on drugs and supplements improving performance.12 The implementation of sports pharmacy programs promotes the recognition of the roles of pharmacists in sports medicine.
Optimize the health and performance of athletes thanks to an interdisciplinary approach
Clinical sports pharmacists play an essential role in assessing the health of athletes by performing laboratory tests, interpreting biomarkers and collaborating with professionals such as nutritionists and sports coaches. For example, B Blocks are commonly used to manage hypertension but can also be prescribed for anxiety.6 Athletes with anxiety can be on Bretards B, which require careful surveillance due to potential adverse effects. The steep stop of the B blocks can cause hypertension rebound, a risk that pharmacists can help alleviate appropriate advice and management.6
Challenges encountered by pharmacists in the promotion of clean sports
Pharmacists often lack in -depth training in anti -doping regulations, limiting their ability to provide tailor -made support to athletes. This highlights the need for special education to provide pharmacists with the necessary expertise. In addition, the contributions of pharmacists to sports medicine are often underestimated in many countries, which reduced their potential impact on the promotion of clean sports.1.13
Conclusion
About the author
Shaikh Mohmed Adnan Mohmed Javid is a Pharmd student and clinical trainee at the New Civil Civil Hospital in Surat, Gujarat, India.
Improved education and training programs specially designed for sports pharmacists are crucial to meet challenges in sports medicine. The establishment of clear guidelines will ensure uniform and effective practices on the whole field. By filling these gaps, pharmacists can play a central role in promoting clean sports, safeguarding the health of athletes, the guarantee of fair competition and maintaining sports integrity. This strategy not only improves the expertise of pharmacists, but also strengthens the confidence of athletes, coaches and sports organizations. The ultimate objective is to develop an informed and proactive pharmaceutical practice which supports both the well-being of athletes and the ethical sports spirit.