Beta-2-Agonists

What are Beta-2-Agonists?

Beta-2-Agonists are dilators which cause dilation (widening) of vessels by relaxing the smooth muscle surrounding them.

Medical Uses of Beta-2-Agonists

Inhaled forms of Beta-2-agonists (including salmeterol, salbutamol, formoterol and terbutaline) are used for the treatment of Asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB).

Injected forms are most commonly used in the prevention of premature labour, as they act to relax the smooth muscle of the uterus and so inhibit contractions.

Effects on Performance

Inhaled forms used for the treatment of Asthma and EIB have no performance-enhancing effect and so are permitted for use by WADA (world anti-doping agency). The athlete must however be in receipt of an abbreviated therapeutic use exemption (aTUE).

When administered by injection or tablet form they are thought to have anabolic effects (increased muscle mass, reduced body fat percentage and faster recovery rates) and so their use is prohibited.

Side-Effects of Beta-2-Agonists

• Tachycardia (rapid beating of the heart)
• Palpitations (abnormal/irregular beating of the heart)
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Nervousness
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Learn More About:

• Drugs in Sport
• Anabolic Steroids
• Diuretics