Characteristics and trends of drug and dietary supplement inquiries by college athletes

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the types of drug and dietary supplement inquiries submitted to the National Center for Drug Free Sport through the Resource Exchange Center (REC).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: United States, from July 2009 through June 2010.

Participants: Athletes and athletic personnel associated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Intervention: Tabulation and classification of drugs and dietary supplement inquiries.

Main outcome measure: Characteristics and trends of drug and dietary supplement inquiries.

Results: Inquiries for prescription medications for albuterol inhalers, methylphenidate, amphetamines, and prednisone were the most common using a drug lookup function. The most common inquiries for over-the-counter medications included pseudoephedrine, loratadine, cetirizine, and caffeine. Among dietary supplements, inquiries for amino acids/metabolites, vitamins and minerals, and herbal products occurred most frequently. One dietary supplement, N.O.-Xplode (Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition, Inc.), accounted for the majority of individual dietary supplement inquiries. Banned substances accounted for 30% of all inquiries submitted to the REC and 18% of medications searched in a drug lookup database.

Conclusion: Almost 25,000 inquiries were submitted to the REC. Pharmacists can use this information to advise, counsel, and refer NCAA athletes regarding the use of banned and permitted substances. Education programs regarding stimulants, dietary supplements, and the risk of using substances such as animal byproducts are needed, and pharmacists can participate in these programs.