General Guidelines for the Use of Over-the-Counter Medications
Reference ÒPharmacology for Athletic Trainers -
Therapeutic MedicationsÓ published by Human Kinetics
Athletes: Please read the following General Precautions
*
Please follow the label directions for
amount and frequency of taking medications and remember, ÒMore is Not BetterÓ.
* Using painkillers to offset pain experienced during
sport activities and exercise is not wiseÉ. masking the pain may result in
further injury.
* Exercise:
- Decreases
the absorption of medications into the body via the gastrointestinal tract.
When necessary, -over the counter medications should be taken 2 Ð 4 hours prior
to exercising in order to obtain the necessary benefits.
- Results in the blood being sent to the skeletal muscles and away from
the GI tact, were medications are absorbed Ð decreasing the drugs
effectiveness.
- And the use of antihistamines may increase your risk of heat related
injuries during hot humid weather. Please advise the sports medicine
staff if you are taking medications that may result in dehydration during hot
humid weather. Failure to do so may endanger your life.
* Signs & symptoms of adverse drug reaction may
include less serious responses, such as rash or drowsiness or resemble more
severe responses such as anaphylactic shock (breathing difficulty - wheezing)
or bronchospasms.
* Athletes should not share prescribed medications with
teammates nor should they take medications prescribed to friends and
family. Sharing of prescription drugs is dangerous and illegal.
* Long-term use of aspirin or Ibuprofen is strongly discouraged
for athletes.
* Never use aspirin to treat a head injury. A
non-aspirin product such as Tylenol is a safer choice for reducing the symptoms
of a mild headache that may result following a head injury. For your
safety, please report all head injuries prior to taking medications.
* Sharing of eye drops and eardrops may result in cross
infection.
* Antibiotic medications such as amoxicillian may make
contraceptives less effective.
* Do not mix drugs Ð caution when mixing cold remedies
with other medications as you may get a double dose of their active
ingredients.
* Alcohol and medications should never be mixed.
* Be aware of caffeine products in medications - mixing
Anacin and Excedrin may increase the caffeine level such that it would be above
the acceptable levels for the NCAA.
Aspirin reduces fevers, decreases inflammation,
decreases pain, and because it decreases the bodyÕs ability to clot bleeding
(thins blood) it is not
the recommended choice for athletes competing in contact (soccer) or collision
sports (football).
* Aspirin is not
effective for severe pain.
* Aspirin is not
recommended for treatment of bruising or joint injuries because it may increase
the bruising (bleeding) and intensify the pain.
* Please check the labels for specific dosages.
* 10 days is the maximum time frame for using aspirin to reduce pain
and 3 days for reducing a fever.
* Aspirin taken for an extended period of time may cause kidney problems.
* Runners using aspirin increase their risk of GI bleeding.
* Aspirin overdose signs include: ringing ears, hearing loss, headache, rapid heart rate, dizziness and nausea. Black stools, abdominal pain, and vomiting following the use of aspirin may indicate GI bleeding.
* Ibuprofen reduces fevers, decreases inflammation, decreases pain, and
decreases the bodyÕs ability to clot bleeding (anticoagulant), however the
anticoagulant property is short lived as compared to aspirin.
* Ibuprofen is the appropriate choice for relieving the pain of MINOR
muscle or joint injuries.
* When combined with ice, compression and elevation it may help to reduce
the pain, welling, and inflammation. Ibuprofen will not cause additional
bruising as compared to aspirin.
* Please check the labels for specific dosages.
* Aleve is more potent and longer acting than Ibuprofen. Please check
the labels for specific dosages.
* 10 days is the maximum time frame for using ibuprofen to reduce pain
and 3 days for reducing a fever.
* Taking Ibuprofen with food or milk may help to alleviate stomach upset.
* Allergic reactions include hives, rash, and bronchospasms.
* Athletes allergic to aspirin should avoid Ibuprofen.
* Ibuprofen overdose signs include: ringing ears, hearing loss,
headache, rapid heart rate, dizziness and nausea. Black stools, abdominal
pain, and vomiting following the use of aspirin may indicate GI bleeding.
* Runners need to be aware of increase risk of GI bleeding.
Bowdoin College participates in the NCAA year-round drug-testing program annually. The NCAA upon receiving the requested rosters selects student-athletes for testing.
Each year, student-athletes sign a consent form demonstrating their understanding of the NCAA drug testing program and their willingness to participate. This consent statement is required of all student-athletes before participation in intercollegiate competition during the year in question. Failure to complete and sign the statement annually shall result in the student-athleteÕs ineligibility for participation in all intercollegiate competition.
Student-athletes are referred to www.drugfreesport.com for a list of currently banned NCAA drugs and supplements.
Bowdoin College policy on dietary supplement is based on the NCAAÕs position of ÒcautionÓ. The Food and Drug Administration and the supplement producers do not regulate dietary supplements. They are not legally bound to disclose all ingredients. Some of these supplements may contain NCAA banned substances. Ingesting them can result in a positive drug test with a penalty of a one-year loss of eligibility.
Student-athletes should consult with the sports medicine staff before taking ANY nutritional supplements. The National Center for Drug Free Sport, Inc, an NCAA Consultant, provides a dietary supplement Resource Exchange Center, (REC) as a source for institutions. It may be accessed at www.drugfreesport.com.
Tobacco
Products
The NCAA prohibits the use
of tobacco products for all sports during practice and competition.
Proper hydration takes place prior to practice. Student-athletes should drink as much and as frequently as comfort allows, typically 1-2 cups of water in the hour preceding practice or competition and continue drinking during activity (8oz every 15 Ð 20 minutes) is recommended. Following activity the athlete should re-hydrate with a volume that exceeds the amount loss during activity. A 2-pound weight loss equals approximately 1 quart of fluid loss. A good way for the athlete to determine if they are dehydrated is to observe the color of their urine. If the color is a dark yellow, then the athlete is most likely dehydrated and should replenish fluids prior to practice. Beverages containing caffeine such as cola, ice tea, and coffee should be avoided since they act as diuretics and cause further water weight loss. Beverages containing alcohol should also be avoided due to the fact that they also act as diuretics.
Nutritional supplements may contain stimulants, such as ephedrine, ma hung, or caffeine. These substances can dehydrate the body and/or increase metabolism and heat production.
Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, certain asthma medications, medications for ADD, diuretics and alcohol may also cause dehydration. Please advise the sports medicine staff if you are ill and taking medications that are diuretics.
Athletes with medical conditions such as fever, gastro-intestinal illness and sickle cell trait will also have difficulty with maintaining proper hydration.
q Monitor weight loss by weighing in before and after practice
q Watch urine color Ð minimal output and or dark yellow urine indicates dehydration
q Avoid caffeine intake
q Drink before you get thirsty
q Expose as much skin as possible - avoid any unnecessary tape, wraps, or sleeves whenever possible
q Take a cool shower immediately after each session to cool down the body
q Do not miss any team meals Ð you need to eat a balanced meal in order to replace electrolytes and mineral and to drink additional fluids
q Thirst
q Cramps
q Irritability
q Headache
q Weakness
q Dizziness
q Nausea
q Decreased performance
q Diarrhea
q Loss of appetite
q Drink throughout the day
q Drink at least 17 Ð 20 oz of (3/4 water bottle) water 2 to 3 hours BEFORE practice
q Drink an additional 7 Ð 10 oz (1 cup) of water 10-20 minutes before practice
q Drink 7 Ð 10 oz (1 cup) every 15 minutes of practice
q Drink 20 oz (3/4 water bottle) of water for every one pound of weight loss that occurred and drink it within two hours of finishing practice
q Drink an additional water bottle 2-3 hours prior to going to bed at night
Coffee/Tea, Alcohol, Ice Tea, Supplements-Creatine, Grapefruit juice, NCAA Banned Substances, Fruit Juices Ð grape juice, punches, etc Carbonated beverages especially those containing caffeine
Baked potatoes, Oranges, Orange Juice, Sport drinks that are 8% or less in carbohydrates, Bananas, Normal use of salt on foods