2018 Prohibited List

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced updates to the Prohibited List (the List), which will come into effect on 1 January 2018.

The main changes to The List for 2018, include:

Clarification regarding salbutamol inhaler dosing parameters

The dosing parameters of inhaled salbutamol have been clarified to make it clear that doses of salbutamol should not exceed 800 micrograms over any 12-hour period. Refer to the WADA 2018 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes (below) for further information.

Alcohol to be removed from the List

Alcohol will no longer be prohibited in 2018. The International Federations of Air Sports, Archery, Automobile, and Powerboating will be able to apply and enforce protocols for alcohol use as they see fit.

Changes to intravenous (IV) infusion rules

The allowed volume and timing of intravenous infusions will increase from infusions of no more than 50 millilitres (mL) per 6-hour period in 2017 to no more than a total of 100 mL per 12-hour period in 2018.

More specifically, IV infusions and/or injections of any substance in excess of 100 mL per 12-hour period will be prohibited at all times in 2018, except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital treatment, surgical procedures, or clinical diagnostic investigations. If a prohibited substance is administered intravenously or via injection, a TUE will continue to be necessary for this substance regardless of whether the infusion or injection is less than 100 mL.

Glycerol to be removed from the List

Glycerol will no longer be prohibited in 2018 after being removed from the Diuretics and Masking Agents section of the List.

Additional specific examples of stimulants

1,3-Dimethybulylamine (DMBA) will be added as an example of a stimulant under section 6 of the 2018 List. Athletes should remain vigilant regarding this substance as it can be found in some dietary supplements.

Clarification regarding the status of cannabidiol

Synthetic cannabidiol (i.e. CBD oil) does not have a similar pharmalogical effect to cannabis and is therefore not prohibited under S8 Cannabinoids. However, athletes should be cautious about use of such products as cannabidiol extracted from cannabis plants may contain varying concentrations of THC (THC remains a prohibited substance). 

Examples of glucocorticoids (S9) to be added

The 2018 Prohibited List will name some examples of commonly used glucocorticoids for greater clarity (refer to the 2018 List for further details).

The 2018 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods

The 2018 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes