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Common medications

Common medications in sport

Even common medications can contain substances that are prohibited in sport. This list details some of the most common medications and methods, and outlines their status in sport.

The only way to keep safe is to check all your medications on Global DRO.

In-competition

If something is banned "in-competition," it's banned from 11.59pm the night before your competition right through to the end of the competition and its doping control processes.

Antibiotics

Permitted Prohibited at all times (requires TUE)
All antibiotics available in New Zealand are permitted in sport Probenecid is commonly prescribed with antibiotics. It is prohibited without a TUE

Asthma

Cold, flu and sore throat

Permitted Prohibited in-competition
Phenylephrine (e.g. Lemsip and Maxclear products) Psuedoephedrine. Only ever take the recommended dose and stop using this drug at least 24 hours before competition
Paracetamol (e.g. Panadol) Morphine-based products

Contraception

Permitted
All oral contraceptives available in New Zealand are permitted in sport.

Hayfever and sinusitis

Permitted Prohibited in-competition
Antihistamines (e.g. Lora-Tabs, Loraclear, Claratyne, Claramax, Phenergan, Polaramine, Razene, Telfast, Zyrtec) Pseudoephedrine. Only ever take the recommended dose and stop using this drug at least 24 hours before competition
Nasal sprays (e.g. Flixonase, Beconase, Drixine, Otrivin) Glucocorticoids administered by any injectable, oral, or rectal route (e.g. Prednisone, Kenacort, Dexamethasone)

IV fluids

All prohibited substances administered by IV require a TUE.

Permitted substances which require IV infusion may not exceed 100ml per 12 hours without a TUE, unless it’s given while at hospital, during surgery, travelling in an ambulance or during clinical diagnostic investigations.

Any infusions given in a non-hospital setting such as an outpatients clinic, medical rooms or on-site ambulance will require a TUE regardless of whether or not it’s permitted in sport. 

Nausea and vomiting

Permitted
Medications such as Buccastem, Nausafix, Nausicalm, Ondansetron, Onrex, Stemetil, Gaviscon and Mylanta.

 

Pain, headaches and inflammation

Permitted Prohibited in-competition
Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAID) All medications containing morphine (e.g. Sevredol, Oxynorm)
Ibuprofen (e.g. Brufen, Nurofen, Panafen) Fentanyl (e.g. Durogesic, Rapifen)
Diclofenac (e.g. Diclax, Voltaren, Cataflam) Pethidine

Aspirin (e.g. Aspec, Aspro, Disprin) 

Glucocorticoids administered by any injectable, oral, or rectal route (e.g. Prednisone, Medrol)
 

Codeine (e.g. Panadeine, Mersyndol)

From 1 January 2024: Tramadol (e.g. Tramal, Hydrochloride). Only ever take the recommended dose and stop using this drug at least 24 hours before competition

Ibuprofen (e.g. Brufen, Nurofen, Panafen)

 

Paracetamol (e.g. Panadol, Pamol)

 

Skin conditions

Permitted Prohibited in-competition
Topical Glucocorticoids (e.g. Beta cream/ointment; DP lotion/cream; DermAid; Hydrocortisone cream; Locoid) Glucocorticoids administered by any injectable, oral, or rectal route (e.g. Prednisone, Medrol)