Beta-2 Agonists

Beta-2 agonists are first-line drugs in the treatment of asthma and other obstructive airways diseases because of their bronchodilatory activity. Exercise-induced asthma and bronchoconstriction are conditions prevalent in elite athletes involved in high volumes of training. Increased prevalence is evident among those engaged in endurance sports and in winter sports and swimming particularly. The performance-enhancing potential for beta-2 agonists is dependent on the dose and route of administration of the drugs. This is reflected in WADA’s regulations concerning the prohibition of this class of drugs, including the criteria for Therapeutic Use Exemption.