Pharmaceutical services at the Tenth Pan American Games

The pharmaceutical services provided by volunteers, including more than 100 pharmacists, at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, Indiana, are described. Pharmacists at a local hospital were given responsibility for doping control and operation of the medical clinic pharmacy at the games. Barracks at a U.S. Army facility within the games' boundaries were converted into the clinic; an area on the second floor was equipped as the pharmacy. The pharmacy secured the necessary licensure and obtained drug products and supplies. Volunteer pharmacists were recruited and instructed about responsibilities, procedures, and security. The formulary was based on the 1983 Pan American Games formulary, the 1988 Olympic Games formulary, and requests from the Pan American Sports Organization. In the 26 days that the pharmacy was open, 968 prescriptions were filled. The drugs most commonly prescribed were ibuprofen, terfenadine, acetaminophen, penicillin V potassium, clotrimazole cream, and naproxen. A doping control center located at each competition venue was staffed by a physician, pharmacists, nurses, medical technologists, and nonmedical personnel. After an event, selected athletes were escorted to a doping control center, where a medical history and urine sample were obtained. The urine was tested for pH and specific gravity, and the coded specimen bottles were sealed for transport to the laboratory. Each step was documented on special forms. A total of 981 athletes were tested; six athletes had positive test results. The 1987 Pan American Games provided a unique opportunity for pharmacists to assist in providing medical services at a large athletic event and to become involved in doping control.