Prohibited substances

The Prohibited List is published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It details all substances and methods that are prohibited or banned in sport, and is updated every year on January 1.

A substance or method may be included on the list if it meets any two of the following criteria:

• it has the potential to enhance sporting performance
• it presents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete
• it violates the spirit of sport.

The information below gives you an overview of the kinds of substances and methods that are banned in sport, but we advise you to check the full List on the WADA website.

Check the 2023 Prohibited List

What are the changes for 2023?

• Highlight: Tramadol will be prohibited in-competition from January 2024.

Read Prohibited List changes

2022 updates: Glucocorticoids and salbutamol

• All glucocorticoid (GC) injections are prohibited in-competition.
• Permitted salbutamol dosage is 600 micrograms over 8 hours.

Read about GC injections

Even common medications can contain prohibited substances. That's why we advise athletes to check every medication on Global DRO before using it - it's the best way to keep safe.

Get info on medications and Global DRO.

Questions about common medications?

You can find information about common medications like asthma inhalers, cold and flu treatments or pain medication on our common medications page.

Check common medications