How to get the MAXIMUM from ALLOWED supplements! Pharmaceutical doping in bodybuilding

Pharmacy drugs for gaining muscle mass are used, paradoxically, quite often. Despite their low popularity in general in training practice, advanced athletes resort to using them almost everywhere. Even though pharmaceutical drugs act exclusively as aids in gaining weight, this in no way eliminates or reduces the effect of taking them, due to which their popularity in sports is only growing over time.

Introduction

Most athletes prefer to train naturally, that is, without the use of anabolic steroids. To increase the effectiveness of training and speed up recovery processes, they often resort to the use of various sports supplements. For the same purpose, a number of medicines are widely used that can be purchased at a regular pharmacy and are sold mainly without a prescription. But again, despite the fact that pharmaceutical drugs are relatively harmless and very accessible, it is important to strictly follow the instructions for use. And before you start taking them, consult your doctor regarding their use.

ADVICE. You can get acquainted with the main sports supplements that are used in sports in our article “What is sports nutrition”. In it, for each supplement you will find a link to an extended article, and you will be able to familiarize yourself in more detail with what this or that sports supplement is. We also strongly recommend that you study the articles “Principles of Proper Nutrition” and “Proper Nutrition for Sports.” And we generally recommend that you start reading this article by first studying the material “Nutrition for gaining muscle mass,” since in this process nutrition plays a primary role, and sports supplements and pharmaceutical drugs fade into the background.

Since our task today is to consider pharmaceutical drugs through the prism of gaining muscle mass, this article will present only those that in one way or another affect its growth, regardless of the mechanism of action. The actual principle of action and the nature of the effect on the body will be given for each drug in the appropriate paragraph. Also, according to all the traditions of describing pharmaceuticals, we will provide contraindications, side effects, composition, release form and, of course, pay attention primarily to the benefits and harms of pharmaceutical drugs.

IMPORTANT. This article is based on materials from the book by the author Davidenko F. Yu. “ PROFILES OF ANABOLISM” .

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are a group of biologically active substances of plant and artificial origin that increase resistance to external factors, stimulate the central nervous system, and have a tonic effect on the body. They help the body ADAPT to external influences.

I myself love taking them. Especially when you haven’t had enough sleep, they really save you.

Their positive effect not only on results in sports, but also on strengthening the immune system has been repeatedly proven. People who take adaptogens get SICK MUCH LESS. During Soviet times, they were considered the “secret weapon” of Soviet athletes.

Their impact does occur, but one should not expect any incredible effect from them. And of course you shouldn’t compare them with the effects of steroids on the body.

The most effective adaptogens for sports: ginseng, Rhodiola, Leuzea, Eleutherococcus, Aralia.

Release form: tincture, tablets;

Average price: in Moscow for 2015 - from 20 to 100 rubles for 30 ml of tincture;

Reception scheme:

• Ginseng: 10-15 drops 2-3 times a day 30-40 minutes before meals for 2-3 weeks;
• Rhodiola: 7-10 drops 15-20 minutes before meals 2-3 times a day for 3-4 weeks;
• Leuzea: 20-25 drops 30-40 minutes before meals in the morning for 4 weeks
• Eleutherococcus: 30-40 drops 1-2 times a day 30-40 minutes before meals for 2-3 weeks;
• Aralia: 10-15 drops 2 times a day (in the morning) for 3-4 weeks;

Here's some more information about adaptogens on Wikipedia.

Diabetes

Among the drugs available on the market, Diabeton has the strongest anabolic properties. In medicine, it is used to stimulate the pancreas in the treatment of diabetes. In sports, this pharmaceutical drug is used to maintain a high level of anabolism and gain muscle mass. This effect on the body is explained by the activation of the production of insulin, which is one of the main anabolic hormones. The power of its influence on the body is equal to the power of insulin injections. The overall effect is comparable to that of methandrostenolone (an anabolic steroid). The drug is well suited for those who want to gain weight in a short time. During the course of taking Diabeton, appetite increases significantly, for this reason, the consumption of fatty foods should be minimized. The diet during this period should include as many protein-containing foods as possible.

Pharmacological group: oral antidiabetic drugs.

Active ingredient: gliclazide.

Pharmacological action: activates the production of insulin, increases the sensitivity of target cells (liver, adipose tissue and muscles) to insulin.

Objectives in sports: a drug for active weight gain.

Composition: gliclazide – 30 mg or 60 mg. Additional components: maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, silicon dioxide.

Indications: Type II diabetes mellitus (insulin-independent).

Contraindications: type I diabetes mellitus (insulin dependent), lactation, severe infections, insufficiency of kidney and liver function (severe).

Side effects: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, hypoglycemia, allergic reactions.

Interaction: enhance the effect of gliclazide: clofibrate, salicylates, phenylbutazone. Reduce the hypoglycemic effect of Diabeton: diuretics, progestogens, diphenin.

Directions for use: orally.

Overdose: clinical manifestation – hypoglycemic coma.

Release form: tablets 30 mg and 60 mg, 15 pieces in a blister, 2 blisters in a pack.

Analogs: Glidab MR, Gliclazide MR.

(France), LLC "Serdix" (Russia).

Shelf life: 3 years.

Storage conditions: store in a dry place, out of reach of children, at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees Celsius.

Summary. Whatever one may say, for all its positive qualities, the drug has one rather significant drawback. This is a risk of falling into a hypoglycemic coma, which, by the way, occurs only in the case of thoughtless use of the drug. On the one hand, if you follow all the prescribed recommendations, eat frequently and observe the duration of the course, no side effects will occur. On the other hand, poor nutrition, excess dosage or course duration increase the likelihood of their occurrence. As a rule, you can often find recommendations that during treatment courses you need to eat sweets at night so that hypoglycemia does not overtake you in your sleep. But do not be alarmed, a critical condition occurs only when the dosage is significantly exceeded, which an experienced athlete, or at least a sane person, of course, will not allow. In addition, six meals a day and a uniform supply of carbohydrates create the most favorable conditions for the body during courses of taking the drug, and due to its anabolic properties, it is the best pharmaceutical drug in bodybuilding for building mass.

Advantages and disadvantages

The undeniable advantages of medicines include:

1. Pharmaceutical quality of drugs controlled by the state
2. Selecting an alternative at a reduced price
3. Low chance of side effects

The main feature is that injection and intravenous drugs are absorbed by the body by 90-100%. Whereas the bioavailability of similar oral medications (tablets, capsules, powders, in liquid form) is 50-60%.

But there are also disadvantages :

1. Relatively low dosages of active substance
2. Inconvenient form of application - intramuscular or intravenous (injections and droppers), which for many is a deterrent
3. Unjustifiably high price of some drugs in terms of price-effect ratio

Calcium glycerophosphate

In medicine, this drug is used in the treatment of dystrophy and excessive fatigue. It increases protein absorption and speeds up metabolism. During the period of taking this drug, appetite increases significantly, which means that the consumption of fatty, fried and floury foods should be reduced. As many protein sources as possible should be added to the diet. As you already understand, in relation to sports, this pharmaceutical drug helps to gain muscle mass, which is why it has earned popularity, including among bodybuilders.

Pharmacological group: macro- and microelements.

Active ingredient: calcium glycerophosphate (English: Calcium glycerophosphate).

Pharmacological action: the drug enhances anabolic processes (protein synthesis), has a general strengthening effect, and replenishes calcium deficiency.

Objectives in sports: the drug is used to gain muscle mass.

Composition: 1 tablet contains 0.2 or 0.5 g of substance.

Indications: as a general strengthening and tonic (increasing the body's activity) remedy for poor nutrition, overwork, exhaustion.

Contraindications: none identified.

Side effects: none identified.

Interaction: often prescribed with drugs that are sources of iron.

Directions for use: orally.

Overdose: no cases observed.

Release form: tablets of 0.5 g, 10 pieces in a blister, 2 blisters in a pack.

Analogues: not identified.

Manufacturers: JSC "Lugansk Chemical Plant" (Ukraine).

Shelf life: 5 years.

Storage conditions: in a dry place, out of reach of children, at room temperature.

Summary. A unique drug of its kind. Having the anabolic ability to enhance protein synthesis, firstly, it has no contraindications or side effects, and secondly, it has no analogues. And since calcium is almost of paramount importance in bodybuilding among other minerals, since it is the main mineral that carries out muscle contraction, it is apparently for this reason that calcium glycerophosphate has gained high popularity and is one of the best pharmaceutical drugs for muscle growth in bodybuilding.

Features of pharmaceutical support in bodybuilding

Modern sports records have reached such heights that the athlete’s body is no longer able to independently recover at the proper level both during training and during competitions.

To help athletes, medicine and medications come to the rescue.

Bodybuilding was no exception. Various pharmacological drugs are also widely used here. Both prohibited and completely legal.

This is necessary to speed up recovery time, the ability to work with large weights and, as a result, greater muscle mass.

Next, we will talk about the use of approved medications, which to some extent act as an alternative to the use of illegal steroids.

Potassium orotate

A metabolic agent that regulates and stimulates the course of biochemical processes. It is used as a drug that has an anabolic effect in cases of protein metabolism disorders. Increases appetite (which helps when working on weight), increases urination (which helps get rid of excess fluid in the body), activates tissue regeneration processes (which speeds up recovery processes). Potassium orotate is a mineral salt that is found in all living organisms. Each molecule of the substance consists of molecules of orotic acid and potassium. Orotic acid is a biochemical substance necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. This pharmaceutical drug is widely used in sports to gain weight and increase strength, even though its effectiveness is relatively low.

Pharmacological group: drugs that stimulate metabolic processes.

Active ingredient: orotic acid.

Pharmacological action: has an anabolic effect in case of protein metabolism disorders. It also has a diuretic and regeneration-activating effect.

Objectives in sports: general anabolic (increasing protein synthesis) effect. The drug helps to grow muscles and recover faster after training.

Composition: 1 tablet contains 0.5 g of substance.

Indications: diseases of the liver and biliary tract caused by intoxications other than cirrhosis with ascites. Myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure, heart rhythm disturbances, etc.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the drug.

Side effects: allergic dermatoses.

Interaction: simultaneous use of drugs that are sources of potassium is not recommended.

Directions for use: orally.

Overdose: inflammation of the renal tubules and their death occur extremely rarely. Hormonal changes are possible. Long-term use causes weakening of the heart muscle.

Release form: tablets of 0.5 g in a pack of 30 pieces.

Analogues: Dioron, Potassium orotovy, Orotsid, Oro-pur.

Manufacturers: Avexima OJSC (Russia), Pharmstandard OJSC (Russia), Dalkhimfarm (Russia), Irbitsky Chemical Farm (Russia), PFC Obnovlenie (Russia), etc.

Shelf life: 4 years.

Storage conditions: store in a dry place, out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius.

Summary. Numerous experiments (on rats) have shown that in combination with other drugs, potassium orotate does reduce recovery time, however, no anabolic effects were identified. In this regard, there is an opinion that its use in sports is ineffective, and in bodybuilding it is practically pointless. However, the facts speak for themselves. The drug has been extremely popular in sports for decades, especially among bodybuilders. Can experiments on rats be considered comparable to an athlete’s reaction to a drug? Hardly. Would it be so popular if it weren't effective? I'm sure not. The facts speak for themselves. Among pharmaceutical preparations for weight gain, Potassium orotate has secured an honorable reputation.

What are anabolic steroids, the mechanism of action on muscle tissue

Anabolic steroids are hormonal substances that are present in the body of every person. The so-called steroid receptors are found in absolutely every muscle cell. If the concentration of hormones responsible for maintaining muscle tone increases, muscle tissue growth is observed. Anabolic steroids, penetrating into the bloodstream, break down into tiny molecules that serve as transmitters of information to cells through steroid receptors.

A bundle of anabolic particles and receptors is directed to the nucleus of the muscle cell, where it comes into contact with segments of DNA nucleic acids and provokes accelerated protein synthesis from amino acids. Due to the intake of steroids into the body, creatine phosphate is also synthesized, which is indispensable for the processes of releasing adenosine triphosphate, a hormone that accumulates energy in muscle cells. This process explains not only the growth of tissue, but also the increase in endurance and strength.

It is worth noting that taking anabolic steroids alone is not capable of causing muscle growth. To achieve muscle hypertrophy, regular physical activity and sports training are required. Steroids are available in injectable and tablet form.

Both in injections and tablets, anabolic steroids leave the body unchanged along with urine: upon completion of protein synthesis, steroid-receptor complexes disintegrate, and free molecules of the hormonal substance are excreted by the kidneys.

Interestingly, the term “anabolic” itself implies the property of a substance to stimulate protein synthesis while maintaining a positive nitrogen balance. Steroids were brought to Russia in the second half of the twentieth century.

At that time, hormones were purposefully used to improve strength performance and were prescribed to athletes in parallel with vitamins. Only after the 1976 Olympics, held in Montreal, were steroids officially recognized as doping and prohibited from being used in preparation for competitions.

Asparkam

A drug that regulates metabolism. It is able to quickly replenish the deficiency of potassium and magnesium in the body, as well as stabilize the electrolyte balance. The drug facilitates the transfer of potassium and magnesium into cells, which improves performance, and as a result, helps to build muscle mass faster. Magnesium, which takes part in protein metabolism and supplies energy in this process, gives the athlete the opportunity to effectively build muscles during training. The versatility of this pharmaceutical drug lies in the fact that it can be used not only for weight gain, but also for weight loss with a properly adjusted training and nutrition regimen. In addition, Asparkam prevents the occurrence of cramps and significantly increases the athlete's endurance.

Pharmacological group: antiarrhythmic drugs in combinations.

Active ingredient: potassium and magnesium aspartate (English: Potassium aspartate and magnesium aspartate).

Pharmacological action: the drug eliminates electrolyte imbalance, magnesium and potassium deficiency, improves myocardial metabolism and coronary blood supply.

Objectives in sports: increases performance and endurance, helps fight cramps. The drug is used both for gaining muscle mass and for losing weight.

Composition: 1 tablet contains 175 mg of potassium aspartate and 175 mg of magnesium aspartate. 1 ampoule of asparkam 10 ml contains 0.45 g of potassium aspartate and 0.4 g of magnesium aspartate.

Indications: prescribed as an adjuvant for chronic circulatory failure, as well as for cardiac arrhythmias caused by potassium and magnesium deficiency.

Contraindications: acute and chronic renal failure, hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, myocardial dysfunction, severe forms of myasthenia.

Side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, flatulence, dry mouth, decreased blood pressure.

Interaction: with simultaneous use of asparkam with potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors, the risk of developing hyperkalemia increases.

Method of administration: orally, intravenously by drip, intravenously by stream, or using an “Infuzomat”-type dosing device.

Overdose: hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia, which is manifested by facial redness, thirst, disorders of the neuromuscular connection, arrhythmias, convulsions.

Release form: tablets - 10 and 50 pieces per package. Ampoules - 5 or 10 pieces (5, 10 or 20 ml each) in a cardboard box. Glass bottles of 400 ml with solution for infusion.

Analogs: Panangin, Asparkam-L, Potassium and magnesium aspartate.

Manufacturers: OJSC Avexima (Russia), PFC Obnovlenie (Russia), Irbitsky Chemical Farm (Russia), FC Zdorovye (Ukraine), etc.

Shelf life: depending on the form of release, about 2 years.

Storage conditions: store away from light and out of reach of children at room temperature.

Summary. Asparkam also contains aspartate (aspartic acid) - a carrier of potassium and magnesium ions through cell membranes. Often, athletes increase the daily dosage above 6 tablets, but this does not lead to any significant increase in results. Excess potassium ions are excreted by the kidneys in the urine. Despite its versatility, the drug does not have an anabolic effect. However, this pharmaceutical drug is quite suitable for gaining muscle mass, but only as part of a course, in conjunction with other drugs. However, even in itself it is quite popular both among bodybuilders and among representatives of many other sports.

Glycine

Description: the product is an aminoacetic acid, available in 100 mg tablets. Refers to nootropics - drugs that affect the functioning of the nervous system.

Indications: periods of intense physical and psycho-emotional stress, vegetative-vascular dystonia, insomnia, neurosis.

In sports: the medicine is used to reduce the load on the central nervous system, restore sleep and wakefulness, and improve cognitive functions.

Principle of action: neurotransmitter that regulates metabolic processes in the central nervous system. Restores metabolic processes occurring in the brain, has an antitoxic effect, and prevents the development of nervous exhaustion. In bodybuilding it is often considered to prevent overtraining syndrome.

Doses for bodybuilding: one tablet three times a day. The course lasts 4 weeks.

Contraindications: individual intolerance, childhood.

Adverse reactions: not identified, the drug is well tolerated by the body. In some cases, an allergic reaction may develop.

Note: the medicine is not included in the top mandatory drugs for athletes. It is used rather for the prevention of various disorders of the nervous system. The sedative effect is weak, the medicine does not have a special effect on the training process in bodybuilding.

Riboxin

The drug activates biochemical processes, which, among other things, have a positive effect on the athlete’s heart. It has antiarrhythmic, anabolic and other beneficial effects. By increasing the strength of heart contractions, it helps increase stroke volume. Riboxin inherently improves both blood supply to the tissues of the whole body and the heart in particular. While taking the drug, there is often an improvement in energy metabolism, the activity of many enzymes and metabolic processes in the myocardium. Another positive effect of taking it is improved muscle tissue regeneration. But, despite all its positive qualities, Riboxin as a reducing agent is not the best choice; for this reason, for the purpose of building muscle mass, this pharmaceutical drug is recommended to be taken in combination with potassium orotate, which acts as a kind of amplifier.

Pharmacological group: drugs that primarily affect tissue metabolic processes.

Active ingredient: inosine (English: Inosine).

Pharmacological action: the drug has an anabolic effect, participates in glucose metabolism and activates metabolic processes in the myocardium.

Objectives in sports: inosine is a precursor of ATP, the most important source of energy in bodybuilding. Improves blood supply, energy metabolism, and muscle tissue regeneration.

Composition: 1 tablet of the drug contains 200 mg of inosine. The ampoules contain 20 mg/ml of the active substance - inosine.

Indications: coronary insufficiency, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, heart defects, coronary atherosclerosis, heart pathologies, liver cirrhosis.

Contraindications: gout, hypersensitivity to the drug, increased levels of uric acid in the blood.

Side effects: in some cases, allergic reactions may occur: itching, urticaria, skin flushing. Rarely, an increase in uric acid levels in the blood occurs.

Interaction: when used as part of complex therapy, it enhances the effect of antianginal, antiarrhythmic and inotropic drugs.

Method of administration: orally, injections, intravenously (drip or stream).

Overdose: no cases of drug overdose have been reported during clinical use.

Release form: 20 mg tablets, 10 pieces in a blister, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 blisters in a pack. Injection solution 2%: 10 ml of solution contains 200 mg of inosine, in a package of 10 ampoules of 5 or 10 ml.

Analogues: Inosine, Inosine-F, Riboxin-Vero, Riboxin-Darnitsa, Riboxin-LekT, Riboxin-PNITIA, Riboxin-UVI, Ribonosine.

Manufacturers: Binnopharm CJSC (Russia), Irbitsky Chempharm (Russia), Borisov Medical Preparations Plant (Republic of Belarus).

Shelf life: depending on the form of release, about 3 years.

Storage conditions: store in a dry place, out of reach of children, away from direct sunlight, at a temperature of 15-25 degrees Celsius.

Summary. Riboxin, due to its anabolic properties, is widely used in sports. Many sports supplements are also produced with it. However, some clinical trials have shown that the use of Riboxin in sports does not lead to improved performance and increased muscle mass. But again, the tests carried out do not cast doubt on the pharmacological effect of the drug, which means that if it has all the declared properties, then why should it be considered ineffective in sports? Tests are always carried out under strictly defined laboratory conditions, but in reality, the training conditions and the factors influencing it are different for each person, and therefore the effectiveness of the technique will be different. But I think it’s not entirely correct to say that the drug is useless in sports. Of course, we will not question the results of clinical trials, just as they do not question the pharmacological effect of the drug, but I think you get the point. All you need to know is that Riboxin is widely popular among bodybuilders who use this drug to gain mass. This would hardly be possible if the drug were a dummy. Draw conclusions.

Tamoxifen

Description: another anti-estrogen with a different active ingredient in the composition. Available in tablets, commercial name - Nolvadex. Indications and contraindications are the same as for the drug Clomiphene.

Feature: unlike Clomiphene, it demonstrates less selectivity and blocks estrogen-sensitive receptors throughout the body. For comparison: Clomiphene in men affects primarily the pituitary gland and testicles.

Differences from Clomiphene: Tamoxifen is more toxic; taking this drug is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Advice: taking antiestrogens is a serious test for a bodybuilder’s body. The decision to start therapy must be weighed, so it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Fish fat

The drug is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids. The main beneficial components of fish oil are Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins A and D. Fish oil is of key importance in bodybuilding. Without sufficient Omega-3 intake into the body, it is quite difficult to achieve the desired results in gaining muscle mass and increasing strength. With a lack of essential fatty acids, the athlete's results and achievements will always be lower than they could be with fish oil consumption. Accordingly, a course of pharmaceutical drugs for weight gain must necessarily be supplemented with sources of fish oil in any form of release.

Pharmacological group: vitamins, vitamin-like substances and drugs that primarily affect tissue metabolic processes.

Active ingredient: fish oil.

Pharmacological action: hypolipidemic, antiaggregation, see summary below.

Objectives in sports: accelerating the growth of lean muscle mass and reducing body fat, increasing overall tone and endurance, increasing the production of hormones, including testosterone.

Composition: depending on the manufacturer, 1 capsule contains 100/250/500/790 or 850 mg of active substance. Capsule shell: gelatin, glycerol, sorbitol, water.

Indications: for the prevention and treatment of hypo- and vitamin deficiency. As a general strengthening agent, to accelerate the healing of bone fractures.

Contraindications: individual intolerance.

Side effects: gastrointestinal disorders - nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea.

Interaction: no features.

Directions for use: orally.

Overdose: stomach upsets.

Release form: transparent gelatin capsules, 10 pieces in a blister, 5, 7 or 10 blisters in a pack.

Analogs: fish oil from cod, pike, crucian carp, perch, catfish, haddock, blue whiting, grenadier.

(Israel), Teva Private Co. LTD" (Hungary), "Del Rios" (Russia).

Shelf life: 2 years.

Storage conditions: store in a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature of 15-25 degrees Celsius.

Summary. As we've already discussed, Omega-3 fatty acids have a wide range of beneficial effects that are fundamental to bodybuilding. Here are some of them: increasing metabolic rate, accelerating muscle growth and reducing fat tissue. Increased sensitivity to insulin, improved blood circulation. The drug improves overall tone and increases endurance, reduces catabolism and accelerates recovery. Improves brain function and improves mood. The brain matter consists of 60% fat, and especially needs Omega-3 fatty acids. It is an excellent source of energy that does not pose the risk of increasing fat tissue. Enhances the body's production of hormones, including the most important testosterone in bodybuilding, and at the same time, prevents the secretion of harmful cortisol. Fish oil is of exceptional importance as a drug for muscle growth. It can rightfully be called magical, and if you like, a miraculous substance that provides great assistance in the process of building muscles.

Side effects of anabolic steroids

The adverse effects of steroid use are difficult to summarize and group into a few typical reactions. Side effects may manifest individually, depending on the dosage regimen, the body's susceptibility, concomitant diseases and other factors.

Based on user reviews, we can identify the most common and frequently diagnosed adverse reactions from taking anabolic steroids:

Hematogen

A product known to us since childhood, which many took for an ordinary delicacy. It is made from dried cattle blood, and is successfully used to prevent iron deficiency, restore metabolic processes, stimulate the formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the body, and, among other things, is a source of essential amino acids, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Thanks to such a rich composition, this pharmaceutical drug, if I may say so, is excellent for gaining weight, especially taking into account the fact that all these components are in the hematogen in a state close to the composition of our blood.

The blood that is used to prepare hematogen is processed to exclude infections and subjected to defibration: the fibrin protein falls out in the form of fibers from the blood when it is shaken. Defibrated blood does not clot, and red blood cells remain suspended in the serum. To add flavor, condensed milk, molasses, sucrose and vanillin are added to the product.

Pharmacological group: Dietary supplements are products of plant, animal or mineral origin.

Active ingredient: hematogen (English: Haematogenum).

Pharmacological action: the drug increases the hemoglobin content in the blood and improves the morphological characteristics of red blood cells.

Objectives in sports: used for weight gain, as a source of fast carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and amino acids in an optimal ratio for the body.

Composition: active substance – ferrous sulfate (ferrous sulfate hepathydrate). Also black food albumin, condensed milk, molasses, sucrose, vanillin.

Indications: used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for malnutrition, low blood hemoglobin, after severe infectious diseases.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, anemia.

Side effects: nausea, diarrhea.

Interaction: it is not recommended to combine with other drugs that are sources of iron.

Directions for use: orally.

Overdose: see side effects.

Release form: bars, chewing lozenge, 50 or 30 g, divided into 10 or 6 plates.

Analogs: Hematogen C (contains vitamin C), Hematogen L (contains lysine).

(Russia), PKP "Fakel-Design" (Russia), "Siberian Health 2000" (Russia), "Gemakon" (Russia), LLC "Geness" (Russia), "Revival and Development" (Russia).

Shelf life: 6 months.

Storage conditions: store in a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature of 15 to 21 degrees Celsius.

Summary. This product (or pharmaceutical drug) is very popular in sports in general. As for its use in bodybuilding, the fact that hematogen is a source of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and including vitamins, of course, suggests that in this sport, from the point of view of gaining muscle mass, it is especially relevant. Everyone will make their own conclusions about the advisability of its use, but taking into account the fact that even children's forms of hematogen are produced, it is not only safe for use, but rather, on the contrary, it is strongly recommended, again, subject to all the conditions for its use.

Trimethazine

Description: medicine for the treatment of heart diseases, capsules containing the active ingredient of the same name.

Purpose: treatment of angina pectoris, cerebral ischemia, vestibular disorders. Has an antihypoxic effect.

Indications in bodybuilding: conditions accompanied by impaired cerebral circulation, due to which the training process is complicated. Hypoxia, intense exercise in conditions of insufficient ventilation.

Dosage regimen for bodybuilding: one capsule twice a day.

Contraindications: intolerance to the composition of the drug, acute liver or kidney failure.

Side effects: nausea, dizziness, asthenic syndrome, headache and confusion. The effects are reversible after discontinuation of the medication.

Note: Trimethazine is widely used in bodybuilding, but the actual benefits of this drug are greatly overestimated. It is advisable to take it for cerebrovascular accidents and angina pectoris in a bodybuilder to stabilize well-being and improve exercise tolerance, but for a healthy person this medicine is useless.

The best sports nutrition for men, women

The best sports nutrition for men and women are pharmacological agents that allow you to gain additional muscle mass and are also relatively safe.

There are the following drugs that have these characteristics:

• Amino X;
• BCAA 97;
• Amino Energy;
• Hard Mass;
• Weight Gainer Blend;
• Mass Effect Revolution;
• Amino Gold.

The above medications should be taken only after a preliminary examination of the body for the possible presence of cardiovascular diseases, chronic damage to liver and kidney tissue.

Pharmacological means for faster weight gain are hormonal and non-hormonal anabolic steroids that speed up metabolism.

Once inside the human body, these medications activate the energy processes of the intracellular space, increase appetite, and ensure high-quality absorption of nutrients. Due to this, rapid development and growth of tissue occurs, and an increase in additional muscle volume is observed.

People who take anabolic steroids but do not exercise may develop obesity. Side effects of medications in this category include allergic reactions, dermatitis, changes in hormonal balance, disturbances in the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, liver and kidney tissues.

List of the most dangerous anabolic steroids

The practical use of steroids, as well as their clinical use, has shown that the most dangerous anabolic steroids are the following drugs:

• Dinitrophenol;
• Mibolerone (also known as Check-Drops);
• Halostenin;
• EPO;
• Anadrol.

The above anabolic steroids can cause severe side effects, disrupt the functioning of internal organs, the endocrine system, lead to changes in hormonal balance, and liver damage.

What medications should men take?

Men who want to gain muscle mass and have an athletic physique can take the following medications:

• Duphaston;
• Oxandrolone;
• Androil;
• Peritol;
• Dexamethasone;
• Brewer's yeast;
• Glutamic acid.

The above drugs, which promote weight gain, affect the energy balance in the human body and activate lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. For people who have chronic diseases of the heart, pancreas, liver and kidneys, taking these medications is contraindicated.

conclusions

The listed pharmaceutical drugs were created specifically to solve certain problems, so they cannot be considered as safe additives to an athlete’s diet.

The finished TOP 5 approved pharmaceutical drugs for athletes may look like this:

• potassium orotate + riboxin – to improve oxygen supply to the heart and stimulate metabolism;
• pentoxifylline + vitamin PP – to improve blood supply to the athlete’s muscles during intense strength training;
• Clomiphene or Tamoxifen - to stimulate the production of your own testosterone by reducing the sensitivity of estrogen receptors;
• tincture or extract of ginseng - as an energy drink before intense training, to strengthen the athlete’s nervous system;
• Eltacin - to prevent overtraining and asthenia during periods of increased stress, to protect the nervous system.

It is important to consider possible adverse reactions and contraindications before starting to use pharmaceutical products. Side effects require attention; if they occur, you should consult a doctor.

You can supplement the list with any B complex of vitamins - they strengthen the nervous system, take part in metabolic processes, have a beneficial effect on the entire body and stimulate muscle growth, improving protein absorption.

The benefits of pharmacy tinctures

It will be useful for people working out in the gym to use so-called adaptogens - substances that have a mild stimulating effect on the human body. These include a variety of pharmaceutical tinctures.

succinic acid

It has a tonic effect on the human body and improves well-being.

Thanks to it, blood circulation is also accelerated, salts accumulated in the body are washed away, stones are removed, and susceptibility to stress is reduced.

Ginseng root tincture

This natural stimulant is known for the following properties:

• Normalization of nervous system functions.
• Increased appetite, performance, resistance to heavy physical activity.
• Protect the cardiovascular system.
• Strengthens the immune system.

Eleutherococcus senticosus is also worthy of attention, which is good due to its positive effect on the liver, vision, and blood supply to the brain.

Chinese lemongrass

It has the ability to increase the conductivity of nerve impulses and the sensitivity of nerve endings, which has a positive effect on neuromuscular connections, which in turn are responsible for muscle growth.