Therapeutic drugs. What to avoid with athletes.

Sports medicine is a reflection of the type and quality of medicine practiced in the community in general. In turn, the practice of medicine is a reflection of society, its cultural biases and mores. The use of medication in the treatment of athletes requires special consideration on the part of the physician so that the athlete is not put in a compromising condition or in jeopardy of disqualification. Periodic familiarity with the updated lists of banned substances, knowledge of the requisites of the particular sport, and most importantly, knowledge of the athletes themselves will help minimize medication-related problems.