Bodybuilding: 20 most popular pharmaceutical drugs for gaining muscle mass

With intense physical activity, the human body expends a lot of energy, a huge amount of nutrients, microelements, and vitamins. In order to make up for these costs and get results from training, the body needs intensive nutrition and support. Therefore, people involved in sports have a certain diet, rest, and sleep. There are also a number of pharmaceutical drugs for recovery after training and maintenance during physical activity.

• Metabolic drugs
• Complexes of microelements and vitamins
• Nootropic drugs
• Chondroprotective drugs
• Amino acids and complex protein preparations

Mildronate

Mildronate (meldonium) is one of the sensational drugs that is undeservedly included in the list of prohibited “doping” drugs. Although it is prescribed from childhood to the elderly. This is a very powerful cardioprotector. During training, the load on the heart and blood vessels increases tenfold. It is a very powerful metabolic drug. Mildronate protects the heart from oxygen starvation, increases the overall tone and endurance of the body. Therefore, this drug is indispensable for sports. It is available in capsules and injection solutions. Prescribed for a long course. Before calling it a “doping” drug, it should be noted that it is prescribed even to very weakened patients.

Operational method for increasing height

Unfortunately, at the moment, no remedy has been created that can instantly and painlessly help a person become a few cm or more taller, but there is the possibility of a slight increase in leg length. I would like to note right away that this method is not very popular and is practically not used as an aesthetic correction (high cost, long recovery period).

The Ilizarov apparatus is suitable for lengthening the leg bones. It includes knitting needles that are passed through a person’s leg and a special metal corset that secures the legs. From time to time (depending on the goals and the desired result), the spokes are moved away from each other by mm, thus increasing the distance between the bones and causing them to grow.

The procedure takes about a year, during which the person needs to move only with the help of crutches and the apparatus on his legs. Constant supervision by a specialist is required.

Kapikor

Kapikor is a complex metabolic drug, which also includes meldonium and gamma-butyrobetaine dihydrate. During training, this drug protects not only the heart and blood vessels from oxygen starvation, but also brain tissue. Used in capsules in individually selected courses.

Contraindications for both mildronate and capicor are: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, increased intracranial pressure and severe renal failure. Both the first and second are usually very well tolerated.

Elkar

Elkar is a unique drug for athletes. It improves protein metabolism, enhances fat burning, thereby releasing energy. Reduces excess weight. Burns excess fat in muscle tissue. At the same time, it improves enzyme formation. Normalizes general metabolism. Increases the overall tone of the body and resistance to physical stress. It also promotes speedy recovery after intense training. The action is somewhat similar to B vitamins. Available in drops and granules. During prolonged physical activity, the prescribed dose varies from 2.5 ml (1/2 measuring spoon) 3 times a day half an hour before meals to 2.25 g (1.5 ml).

The only contraindications are individual intolerance, which is extremely rare.

What is sports nutrition, benefits and harms

Sports nutrition is a complex of nutritional supplements, the intake of which promotes rapid recovery after training. The composition includes nutrients important for the body: proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Many people believe that eating to gain weight does more harm than good. In fact, this opinion is wrong. If you follow the dosage and exercise regularly, supplements will help make noticeable changes:

• endurance will increase;
• sleep will improve;
• Metabolism will speed up, triggering the process of losing weight;
• weight is normalized;
• your well-being and mood will improve.

Harm from supplements is possible only if the dosage is not observed and taken if there are contraindications.

What else you need to know about taking sports nutrition:

1. High-quality sports nutrition has nothing to do with prohibited anabolic steroids, which accelerate weight growth, but cause addiction and destroy the body from the inside.
2. At its core, sports nutrition is ordinary products, only they contain useful substances in balanced quantities. For example, to build muscle mass, you need to eat 200 grams of chicken breast or drink 300 ml of a protein shake after training. It is not always possible to eat a full meal, but protein intake after training is mandatory.
3. Sports nutrition works only in combination with physical activity. You can take amino acids and protein for therapeutic purposes, but there will be no muscle growth. To make muscles grow, you need to traumatize the muscle tissue and then give it time to recover. Therefore, a beautiful, muscular body is possible only if you follow a training and rest regime.
4. It is better to select sports nutrition with a trainer and after consultation with a doctor. Despite the small number of contraindications, taking the supplement is possible only if there are no contraindications. The trainer will help you choose nutrition and dosage depending on your goal and level of physical fitness.

Riboxin

Riboxin is an anabolic drug. It is a precursor to the substance ATP, which gives cells energy. Riboxin has a cardioprotective effect, that is, it protects the heart muscle and its cells - cardiomyocytes - from oxygen starvation. During physical activity, this is very important, since oxygen consumption by heart cells increases sharply. Available in tablet and injection form. In sports, the tablet form is more often used. Prescribed 1 tablet 3-4 times a day before meals. It is generally well tolerated.

Contraindications: individual intolerance and renal failure.

Actovegin

Actovegin is a drug that improves the trophism of all tissues in the body. This happens due to the fact that:

1. It improves microcirculation in peripheral vessels, that is, blood circulation.
2. It is a neuroprotector, that is, it restores and “nourishes” nerve cells and fibers by improving microcirculation.
3. It is a metabolic agent and improves energy metabolism in tissues. Due to the utilization of glucose, it reduces the accumulation of lactate levels in muscle tissue, which makes it possible to quickly restore muscle tissue after increased exercise.
4. It is an antihypoxant, that is, a drug that supplies tissues with oxygen.

Available in solutions for injection. It is administered intramuscularly, intravenously, intraarterially. Preventively prescribed intramuscularly, 2 ml once a day. If a stronger effect is needed, then the prescription should be intravenous.

Contraindications: individual intolerance to the drug, severe diseases of the lungs, heart and kidneys, which, as a rule, are not observed in athletes.

Anabolic steroid

AS (anabolic steroids) are considered the most effective drugs that provide high muscle growth. They imitate the mechanism of action of testosterone, the main male sex hormone. Steroids are used exclusively by professional bodybuilders. This is because drugs in this class have side effects.

The anabolic effect of taking steroids is manifested in the following indicators:

• increase in muscle mass up to 10 kilograms per month;
• increasing endurance and strength indicators;
• strengthening bone tissue;
• reduction of body fat.

Taking steroids can lead to the following side effects:

• masculinization;
• prostate hypertrophy;
• virilization;
• testicular atrophy;
• hair loss.

Mexidol

Mexidol is essentially a universal drug for people involved in sports. Firstly, Mexidol protects the cells of the nervous and cardiovascular systems from oxygen starvation (hypoxia), that is, it has an antihypoxic effect. Secondly, it has the unique property of restoring cell membranes. Thirdly, Mexidol is a very powerful antioxidant. Removes free radicals from the body. It also has an anticonvulsant effect. Cramps in athletes are not such a rare phenomenon that is worth paying attention to, because this is the first and clear sign of a deficiency of microelements in the body during exercise. Its applications are very diverse. During increased loads, it is indispensable, as it promotes the speedy recovery of the body after loads and stress. Mexidol can be prescribed to improve learning and memory. Prescribed for preventive purposes for athletes: 1 (125 mg) tablet 3 times a day, therapeutic dosage - up to 6 tablets per day (800 mg).

Contraindications: individual intolerance, childhood, renal failure, pregnancy.

Calcium

Calcium is an essential trace element for human existence, especially if he is under physical and psycho-emotional stress. The calcium depot in the human body is bones (especially spongy bone). With intense training, calcium consumption increases tenfold. If it is not replenished on time, calcium leaves the bone tissue, thereby destroying it. As a result - bone injuries (fractures, dislocations). Calcium is removed from the body in large quantities when consuming large doses of caffeine, during stressful situations, during hormonal disorders, as well as during problems in the gastrointestinal tract, when calcium is not absorbed from food and from synthetic drugs.

In order for calcium to be absorbed in the body, a certain ratio of 13 microelements is necessary. Therefore, it is better for athletes to take calcium in complex preparations that maintain this ratio. And this is precisely why there are sports doctors who must monitor (especially laboratory indicators) the health of athletes.

There are many synthetic pharmaceutical preparations containing calcium: calcium D3, calcilan, calcemin, etc. If the preparation contains vitamin D, calcium is absorbed much better. And the more vitamin D, the better the absorption of calcium. Calcium supplements should be taken for at least 3 months, then take a break for 1 month, then you can repeat the course. The dosage is selected individually according to the blood condition. This is also worth considering because calcium is involved in the blood clotting process. Its excess threatens to disrupt mineral metabolism. As a result - urolithiasis, blood clotting disorders, osteochondrosis, arthrosis of the joints.

Varieties

There are many different drugs and their complexes in order to improve the situation. It should be noted right away that there are drugs for gaining weight and building muscle mass. The second line is recommended mainly for athletes who engage in bodybuilding and athletic sports. Almost all of the drugs under consideration are recommended for use by both men and women, although each gender has its own nuances in their use.

Vitamin complexes

The most gentle drugs that help you gain weight are vitamin complexes. They help improve metabolism and affect other body functions. The advantage of vitamin complexes is that they can be used by all age groups and both men and women. The most popular specially developed complexes are “Allmax Zma”, “Hi Tec Vitamin AZ” and “Mega Mass 4000”. In addition to them, there are ordinary vitamin complexes, for example, “Complivit” and “Alphabet”. This includes such a cheap product as Hematogen.

Biologically active additives

The line of dietary supplements usually includes brewer's yeast, which does not belong to the group of vitamins or medications. In addition, perhaps one of the most versatile supplements that are most common are Nutrizon and Samyun Wan. Dietary supplements serve to replenish the body's nutritional deficiencies.

Medications

In addition to vitamins, there is a wide range of medications that are recommended for people with low weight. The most accessible are Mildronate, Riboxin, Methyluracil, Potassium Orotate and a number of other pharmaceuticals. Each of these drugs performs its own function in the process of weight gain and is used when prescribed by a doctor.

Hormonal drugs

If a person’s weight loss occurs due to hormonal changes or hormonal diseases, he is prescribed hormonal drugs. The most accessible of them are “Insulin”, “Dexamethasone”, “Diabeton MV”, “Duphaston” and a whole line of steroids that are mostly used by athletes and used in fitness.

These kinds of pills are prescription drugs only - prescribed only by a doctor.

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the important microelements that it is advisable to take before prescribing calcium. If there is a deficiency of magnesium in the body, calcium absorption will never occur. Therefore, only in this order. Magnesium increases the level of impulse conduction along nerve fibers, relieves excessive nerve and muscle tension.

The most common pharmaceutical drugs are: Magne B6, Magnelis, Magnecor, Cardiomagnyl. Among other things, magnesium has a cardioprotective effect, so in case of increased physical and psycho-emotional overload, the administration of magnesium is indispensable. It protects the heart and blood vessels from overload. The prescription of magnesium preparations should be strictly monitored by laboratory blood parameters, and prescribed purely individually. These are mainly tablet forms of drugs.

Vitrum plus

Vitrum plus is one of the well-known complex preparations that contains 13 vitamins and 12 minerals. They are in a certain ratio and dosage, so their absorption is maximum, under one condition - the gastrointestinal tract must be free of pathologies. The conditions for the absorption of calcium and magnesium were described above. So, Vitrum Plus is one of the examples of the balanced absorption of microelements and vitamins, each of which plays a significant role in the normal functioning of the body, especially if this body is constantly under conditions of physical overload. For example, this complex, in addition to microelements (phosphorus, iodine, selenium, manganese, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.), contains B vitamins, which work as neuroprotectors, that is, they restore nerve endings and normalize the conduction of impulses along nerve fibers. Vitamins A and E are powerful antioxidants, substances that protect tissues from oxygen starvation. With increased physical activity, the tissue's need for oxygen increases, so breathing becomes faster and deeper, and the heartbeat quickens. To help the body cope with this, pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed that comprehensively protect the body from exhaustion from all sides. Examples of the same kind of drugs are: complivit, alphabet, multitabs.

Milgamma

Milgamma is one of the representatives of complex preparations of B vitamins. It belongs to neurotropic drugs, that is, it protects the nervous and musculoskeletal system from destructive factors. Directly involved in the process of hematopoiesis, which is important during physical activity. Thanks to this factor, oxygen is transferred to tissues that have an increased need for it. Due to this, the body's endurance increases and its faster recovery after exercise.

Milgamma promotes the transfer of impulses along the nerve fiber, thereby preventing malfunctions in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Available in tablet form and in the form of injection solutions. For preventive use, a more convenient form is the tablet form. When taken in large doses, the drug has an analgesic effect. Take once a day, for a long time (at least 4 weeks), after meals, with plenty of water.

Contraindications: gastrointestinal ulcer, allergic reactions, pregnancy.

What are chondroprotectors?

Chondroprotectors for joints (powders for the treatment of joints) are slow-acting preparations that contain proteins necessary for the construction of articular cartilage, bones and other functional tissues of the musculoskeletal system. Chondroprotective drugs are used in complex therapy of diseases of the musculoskeletal system together with anti-inflammatory and other drugs. However, their main task is the prevention of degenerative changes in joints. Therefore, they are effective before the onset of the disease, as well as in its early stages.

Piracetam

Piracetam is a representative and predecessor of a number of nootropic drugs that were later synthesized on its basis. However, their actions are identical. Nootropic substances are a huge group of drugs aimed at improving blood circulation and nutrition of body tissues of absolutely all systems. Due to this, nootropics are universal. Their actions are fundamental for people whose physical activity exceeds the usual. Piracetam is available in the form of injection solutions and tablet form. The dosage of nootropics is selected purely individually and depends directly on the state of the body at a given stage.

Medications for relief training

The purpose of taking medications when training for relief is to accelerate fat burning.

The most widespread during this period were:

1. Sodium caffeine benzoate is a central nervous system stimulant used to enhance physical performance.
2. Metformin (Siofor) is an insulin blocker that prevents carbohydrates from being absorbed

A number of other drugs aimed at reducing body weight are little used in bodybuilding.

For example, Reduxin (sibutramine) and Orlistat are drugs that suppress appetite and block the absorption of fats. They have a lot of side effects with low and short-term results, so they are not recommended for use.

Omaron

Omaron is another representative of the group of nootropic drugs, only it is complex. It contains piracetam, previously described, and cinnarizine. Due to the fact that this drug is complex, its effect will be more pronounced. As stated above, nootropics are a huge group of drugs, supposedly divided into 11 groups in their classification. But for us, their most important effect is to improve both macro- and microcirculation. This allows you to increase the load on the body and achieve the desired results. Available in tablet form. Omaron is prescribed 1-2 tablets 3 times a day during or after meals. Prominent representatives of this group of drugs are: nootropil, phenibut, preductal, noofen.

Contraindications that apply specifically to athletes: intolerance to the drug components, psychomotor agitation, children under 5 years of age.

For what diseases are chondroprotectors used?

Glucosamine and chondroitin preparations help protect joints from “starvation” and chemically aggressive substances that accumulate in them as a result of inflammation. For this reason, they are recommended for adjuvant therapy of osteochondropathy - diseases that cause necrosis of spongy bone tissue (bone heads). Chondroprotective drugs are used for the treatment and prevention of:

• osteochondrosis;
• osteoarthritis (including rheumatoid and gouty arthritis);
• spondylosis (spondyloarthrosis);
• osteoporosis;
• tendonitis (dystrophic disease of the tendons);
• bursitis (inflammation of the joint capsule)

Chondroprotectors will become indispensable assistants in the fight against joint diseases

Drugs in this group are recommended for congenital and acquired pathologies of bone tissue (for example, bone deformation), hernias and protrusions. Chondroitin sulfate has proven itself as an auxiliary substance in the treatment of keratitis (inflammation of the eye cornea). Chondroprotectors for arthrosis are prescribed at stages 1-2 of the disease.

Teraflex

Teraflex is a drug from the group of chondroprotectors. This drug contains chondroitin, the main component of cartilage tissue in the human body. During intense training (running, jumping, lifting weights), cartilage tissue receives microtrauma. The consequence of microtrauma is first the inflammatory process, and then the destruction of cartilage. To prevent this from happening, athletes are prescribed chondroprotective drugs. One of the most common is teraflex. It can be prescribed both for prevention and for the treatment of existing pathologies of cartilage tissue. This drug is available in capsules. It is prescribed for a long term - at least 3-6 months in a dosage of 1 capsule 3 times a day.

Contraindications for prescribing Teraflex: individual intolerance to the drug, renal and liver failure, problems with the blood coagulation system.

Amino acids

Amino acids are a building material for the entire body, for the renewal and restoration of absolutely all tissues in the human body. There are amino acids that the body produces on its own, and which must come from outside. Therefore, those amino acids that the body does not produce on its own must be replenished with food. But this is not enough for athletes. Proteins in the human body are built from amino acids; thanks to amino acids, all nutrients, microelements and vitamins are absorbed. For athletes, there are various pharmaceutical amino acid complexes. They are prescribed purely individually (you can read more about amino acids in this article).