Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Bromocriptine

Submitted by patrickius on Wed, 2011-06-29 21:51

Bromocriptine mesylate is a dopaminomimetic ergot derivative with D2 dopamine receptor agonist and D1 dopamine receptor antagonist activities. It is used most commonly as a prolactin inhibitor in cases of hyperprolactinemia, a growth hormone suppressant in acromegaly, and as an adjunctive medication to elodea in the management of Parkinson’s disease. The structure and activity of this drug are very similar to that of cabergoline. In the bodybuilding and athletic communities, bromocriptine is sometimes used to induce fat loss or combat elevated prolactin levels. The human medical data concerning the potential role this drug might play in supporting ongoing fat loss is encouraging. In cases where it was given while dieting, bromocriptine was capable of increasing total fat loss by a statistically significant degree, and seemed to extend the duration in which the diet was most effective. Bromocriptine has been used widely in clinical medicine for its indicated use since the 1970s. It is also much more widely distributed than its counterpart medication cabergoline, which is used for a similar set of clinical indications. In the U.S., the most common brand name for this drug Parlodel, which is sold by the pharmaceutical company Novartis.

Albuterol sulfate

Submitted by patrickius on Wed, 2011-06-29 21:51

Albuterol sulfate is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist, very similar in structure and action to the popular weight loss aid clenbuterol. Unlike clenbuterol, however, albuterol is readily available as a prescription drug in the United States. It is also sold under other brand names in a number of  other countries worldwide. Albuterol is most commonly found in the form of a rescue inhaler, which is designed to disperse a measured amount of the drug immediately and directly to the bronchial tubes in times of crisis (asthma attack). This form provides the least amount of systemic drug activity possible, which is great for minimizing unwanted cardiovascular side effects. Albuterol oral tablets are also available, however, and provide a systemic drug activity possible, which is great for minimizing unwanted cardiovascular side effects. Albuterol sulfate was introduced to the U.S drug market in 1980, sold under the Ventolin brand name. Albuterol sulfate has grown to be one of the most popular drugs in history for the management of acture asthma attacks. As a result, many other companies have invested in the market. The FDA has approved a number of generic preparations of the drug.

Accutane (isotretinoin)

Submitted by patrickius on Wed, 2011-06-29 21:51

Isotretinoin is an anti-acne medication that is chemically related to retinoic acid and retinol (vitamin A). Although its exact mode of action is unknown, this agent works by inhibiting sebaceous gland functioning, which diminishes oil production in the skin and hinders acne development. This product is sold in many countries throughout the world, and is largely recognized as one of the most effective medications available for treating severe acne. Studies also suggest that it has one of the highest success rates with even the strongest cases of clinical acne. Given that acne is one of the most common side effects of anabolic/androgenic steroid use, isotretinoin is utilized by bodybuilders and athletes to reduce or eliminate this cosmetic issue  during steroid therapy. Isotretinoin was developed by the pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-La Roche, and was first introduced as a drug medication in 1982. The company marketed it under the brand name of Accutane, and retained the patent rights until 2002. Now that the patent has expired, there are a number of generic versions of the drug available. Isotretinoin is not a controlled substance, but has been regulated by the FDA in recent years due to potential side effects. Due to this, there are some very strict guidelines in place for prescribing the drug. Isotretinoin is most  commonly supplied in soft gel like capsules of 10, 20, and 40mg.