Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Real-Time Electrocardiogram Monitoring During Treadmill Training in Mice
Published on: May 5, 2022
Common Prescription Medications Used in Athletes
Benjamin Ferry1, Alexei DeCastro2, Scott Bragg3
1Trident/MUSC Family Medicine Residency Program, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 9228 Medical Plaza Drive, Charleston, SC 29406, USA.
Abstract:
Athletes of various skill levels commonly use many different types of medications, often at rates higher than the general population. Common medication classes used in athletes include analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, inhalers for asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, antihypertensives, antibiotics, and insulin. Prescribers must be aware of the unique considerations for each of these medications when using them in patients participating in physical activity. The safety, efficacy, impact on athletic performance, and regulatory restrictions of the most common medications used in athletes are discussed in this article.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow....
Drug Classes and Categories
Inhaled Medications
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and...
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...

