Why is trimetazidine banned in the United States?
James Craig
Published Jan 06, 2026
The drug is banned because it can potentially help athletes perform at a higher heart rate for a longer duration in sports, providing an unfair advantage in competitions.
Why would trimetazidine be banned?
The drug is currently listed as a “metabolic modulator” and WADA prohibits athletes from using the drug in or out of competition. A shift in how the body uses energy could give athletes an edge in competitions by lessening their altitude fatigue and increasing their cardiovascular fitness (Biomed. Pharmacother.
Is trimetazidine legal in the US?
It is listed in the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) 2021 prohibited substances under the category of "hormone and metabolic modulators," a class of drugs that have been banned by WADA due to evidence of athletes using them for performance enhancement.
Is trimetazidine illegal?
It has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) list of prohibited substances since 2014. It is currently categorised as "hormone and metabolic modulator", which is illegal for athletes to use both in- and out-of-competition.
Is trimetazidine used in Russia?
29, said trimetazidine was once heavily promoted in the country by a manufacturer so “its use in Russia is catastrophically huge.” The effect of the drug on healthy people — like a 15-year-old elite athlete — is likely to be “smaller than small,” Rodionov said.
20 related questions foundIs trimetazidine safe?
Trimetazidine Adverse Drug Reactions
Trimetazidine has been generally very well tolerated in clinical trials and usually only isolated cases of adverse events (ADRs—adverse drug reactions) were observed during trimetazidine treatment (mainly gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, nausea) [61].
Why do athletes take trimetazidine?
Trimetazidine Uses
Normally prescribed to treat angina -- chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart -- it also has athletic benefits as well. For sports, it could potentially help an athlete perform at a higher heart rate for a longer period of time.
Is trimetazidine a stimulant?
TMZ, a substance prohibited in competition, is classified in the S6b Specified Stimulant Group. TMZ is used as a well-known cardiologic drug with confirmed biochemical and clinical activity.
What kind of drug is trimetazidine?
Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a medication used to treat heart-related conditions like angina. It helps metabolize fatty acids, which helps your body use oxygen. The drug allows for more blood flow to your heart and limits quick changes in your blood pressure. This can help lessen chest pain from blocked blood vessels.
Is trimetazidine a beta blocker?
Despite efficacy being equivalent to that of beta-blockers and calcium antagonists, trimetazidine does not depress cardiac function and, correspondingly, is not contraindicated in any condition. Adverse effects of trimetazidine are mild and infrequent.
Is trimetazidine FDA approved?
In a PET study, trimetazidine modestly decreased myocardial fatty acid oxidation without changing overall oxygen consumption, implying but not proving an increase in glucose oxidation. However, trimetazidine has limited availability and is not FDA approved for use in the United States.
Why did the Olympics ban trimetazidine?
Since 2014, it has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited substances and is categorized as a "hormone and metabolic modulator." This is illegal for athletes to use both in and out of competition as it can increase blood flow efficiency and improve endurance.
How long should I take trimetazidine?
Conclusion: Treatment with trimetazidine added to the usual treatment for up to 18 months was well tolerated and induced a functional improvement in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Trimetazidine treatment was associated with a significant improvement of left ventricular function and the remodelling process.
Can trimetazidine increase blood pressure?
Unlike conventional drugs, trimetazidine exerts no effect on coronary flow, contractility, blood pressure, or heart rate.
What does trimetazidine do to the body?
Trimetazidine, also known as “TMZ”, is a drug that blocks free fatty acid metabolism and enhances carbohydrate utilization in the heart. It has been used for years in Asian and European countries as a treatment for heart disease, including stable angina.
What drug did Russian skater use?
What is trimetazidine, the drug found in Russian skater Kamila Valieva's system? The 15-year-old athlete tested positive in December for trimetazidine, a drug typically prescribed to much older patients suffering from angina and other heart-related conditions.
Why there is no Russia in Olympics?
That's because Russia received a two-year ban from the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2019 for its state-sponsored doping program. Between Dec. 17, 2020, and Dec. 17, 2022, no athlete can represent Russia at the Olympics, Paralympics or World Championships.
Are Jamie and David still together?
Jamie Rae Salé (born April 21, 1977) is a Canadian former competitive pair skater. With her former husband David Pelletier, she is the 2002 Olympic Champion and 2001 World Champion.
How long is Russia banned from Olympics?
WADA's ban was shortened to two years after Russia appealed, but it runs through the end of 2022, meaning the country is not officially being recognized at the Winter Games.
Is trimetazidine used in congestive heart failure?
Clinical studies have consistently indicated that trimetazidine acts as an adjunct to conventional treatments and improves the symptoms of heart failure. This review summarizes the basic pathological changes in the myocardium, with an emphasis on the alteration of cardiac metabolism in the development of heart failure.
Does trimetazidine lower heart rate?
The dose of trimetazidine does not affect hemodynamic stability, heart rate, blood pressure and speed-pressure multiplication, and it exerts no negative inotropic effect.