Microsoft word - ais policy position - pseudoephedrine - 280604.doc
AIS Policy Position The use of pseudoephedrine and caffeine
All AIS (and ASC) staff and scholarship holders, and those who have access to training at the AIS, are being reminded that the use of caffeine outside the recommendations made in the AIS Supplements Policy, and the use of pseudoephedrine for purposes other than therapeutic (ie. prescribed by a medical practitioner), and the use of these drugs in combination for training or competition, or “recreational use”, is NOT PERMITTED. This direction sits within the AIS Athlete Code of Ethics which specifically states “I agree to:
Comply with the training requirements of my sport as laid down by the coaches and to accept and respond in a positive manner to their constructive criticism
Maintain personal habits of health conducive to sporting excellence
Neither possess nor use prohibited drugs nor participate in any other practice prohibited by the Institute.”
In addition, it is stated in the Athlete Agreement that: “6.2
During the Term of this Agreement, I will disclose:
6.2.1.2 full details of all medications, vitamins, and supplements I take; “
The reason for this direction is that the use of these drugs poses a risk to the health of the consumer, particularly when these drugs are combined, and especially when larger doses are used during exercise. One of the major concerns relates to combined doses having an added effect on the nervous system which results in manifestations of sympathetic nervous system overdrive. This may result in abnormal behaviour of the heart, and is potentially fatal. The specific effects of caffeine include increased heart rate, elevation of blood pressure, reduced blood flow to the heart during exercise, increased wakefulness, tremor, feelings of anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms including headache and fatigue. Side effects of pseudoephedrine include anxiety, tremor, increased heart rate, elevation of blood pressure and insomnia.
A recent Australian study showed that 31% of sudden cardiac deaths in patients under the age of 35 years occurred in hearts that were normal at autopsy. It is suggested that “normal” hearts in young people can, without any particular stimulation, produce fatal cardiac arrythmias (disturbance of cardiac rhythm). These are unpredictable and therefore the use of drugs as described above is to be considered in light of this risk. Head Coaches are requested to reinforce this Policy Position with all staff and athletes involved in the program. You will be required to verify that this has been done through signing the attached form. If you are aware of instances where this Policy Position is currently being breached, please note that you are obliged to advise the AIS Director immediately. Enquiries should be directed first to the Head of Sports Medicine, AIS, Associate Professor Kieran Fallon (02 6214 1587), or, if necessary, Professor Peter Fricker (02 62141741). Michael Scott Director Australian Institute of Sport 28 June, 2004
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AIS Policy Position