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Drug class

Example(s)

Effects

Detection

Notes

Anabolic agents

Androgenic steroids (testosterone, nandrolone and many others)

Increased muscle development

Increased aggression and competitiveness

Serious long-term side effects (see text)

Urine or blood samples

Many are endogenous hormones, so results significantly above normal range are required

Human chorionic gonadotrophin is sometimes used to increase androgen secretion

Clenbuterol

Combined anabolic and agonist action on β₂ adrenoceptors may increase muscle strength

Hormones and related substances

Erythropoietin

Increased erythrocyte formation and hence increased oxygen transport

Increased blood viscosity causes hypertension and risk of strokes and coronary attacks

Used mainly for endurance sports^a

Plasma half-life is short, so detection is difficult

Use of other plasma markers indicating erythropoietin administration may be possible

Human growth hormone

Increased lean body mass and reduced fat

May accelerate recovery from tissue injury

Causes cardiac hypertrophy, acromegaly, liver damage and increased cancer risk

Blood testing

Distinguishing endogenous (highly variable) from exogenous human growth hormone is difficult

Insulin

Sometimes used (with glucose so as to avoid hypoglycaemia) to promote glucose uptake and energy production in muscle

Probably ineffective in improving performance

Plasma samples

-

β₂-Adrenoceptor agonists

Salbutamol and others

Used by runners, cyclists, swimmers, etc. to increase oxygen uptake (by bronchodilatation) and cardiac function

Controlled studies show no improvement in performance

Urine samples

-

β-Adrenoceptor antagonists

Propranolol, etc.

Used to reduce tremor and anxiety in 'precision' sports (e.g. shooting, gymnastics, diving)

Urine samples

Not banned in most sports where they actually impair performance

'Stimulants'

Ephedrine and derivatives

Amphetamines, cocaine caffeine

Many trials show slight increase in muscle strength and performance in non-endurance events (sprint, swimming, field events, etc.)

Urine samples

The most widely used group, along with anabolic steroids

Diuretics

Thiazides, furosemide

Used mainly to achieve rapid weight loss before weighing in

Also to mask presence of other agents in urine by dilution

Urine samples

-

Narcotic analgesics

Codeine, morphine, etc.

Used to mask injury-associated pain

Urine samples

-