We are often asked if it is possible to carry a pack containing some basic medications for common, relatively trivial ailments which affect us from time to time. Obviously, this pack needs to contain medications which do not fall foul of the 2007 Prohibited Substances List, and we provide a list below of permitted remedies for some of the more usual complaints.
You may like to make up a small bag of these medications and carry it with you, particularly if you are going away warm weather training. This will help ensure that you do not inadvertently buy a similar-sounding medication whilst abroad, but which may contain different ingredients than its UK counterpart. Think of the recent case of skier Alain Baxter and Vicks Sinex and you will understand what we mean!
If you are planning to be away from home for a period of warm weather training, or for a holiday, then you can always consult the excellent Drugs Information Database run by UK Sport at www.didglobal.com to check any medications you plan to take with you. Other countries, such as Australia and the USA, can also provide you with information regarding any local products you may be thinking of using whilst you are in the country.
Here is a suggested list of basic medications which are acceptable under the current UKA anti-doping regulations and the 2007 Prohibited Substances List:*
Paracetamol Ibuprofen
Imodium Dioralyte
Otrivine Strepsils
Any well-known brands of medication for constipation are fine to take as these are all permitted, as are most big-name cold and flu remedies. With regards to cold and flu medication, the only constituent you need to look out for which is still prohibited is Ephedrine, but this is very rare. Any products like Lemsip capsules, etc., containing pseudoephedrine, caffeine, phenylpropanolamine, phenylephrine or codeine are OK to take.
It is important to follow the dosing instructions on the packet. Do not exceed the recommended dose and frequency of administration.
Ibuprofen should be taken either with food, or after consuming food.
* Athletes should always check out their medicine on the Drug Information Database - the list above is for guidance purposes only.
