Abstract
Aims
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.
Conclusion
The 2012 Prohibited List has important implications for the pharmacological treatment of ophthalmic conditions in athletes. Clinicians prescribing for athletes have a duty to familiarise themselves with the list in order to avoid causing significant damage to their patient’s career and reputation.
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References
World Anti-Doping Agency. The 2012 Prohibited List. www.wada-ama.org/Documents/World_Anti-Doping_Program/WADP-Prohibited-list/2012/WADA_Prohibited_List_2012_EN.pdf. (accessed 27 June 2012).
British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. British National Formulary, Issue 63. BMJ Publishing Group: UK, 2012.
UK Anti-Doping. The UK Anti-Doping Rules, Version 2.0. 1999. www.ukad.org.uk/resources/document-download/uk-anti-doping-rules. (accessed 27 June 2012).
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Nicholson, R., Thomas, G., Potter, M. et al. London 2012: prescribing for athletes in ophthalmology. Eye 26, 1036–1038 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.2012.139
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.2012.139
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