• Table of Contents

  • Sildenafil Citrate: Potential Ergogenic for Athletes
  • The Science Behind Sildenafil Citrate
  • The Potential Benefits for Athletes
  • Real-World Examples
  • Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Data
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Sildenafil Citrate: Potential Ergogenic for Athletes

In the world of sports, athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge. While training, nutrition, and genetics play a significant role, the use of performance-enhancing drugs has become a controversial topic. However, there is one substance that has been gaining attention in the sports world for its potential to enhance athletic performance – sildenafil citrate.

The Science Behind Sildenafil Citrate

Sildenafil citrate, commonly known by its brand name Viagra, is a medication primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which increases blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. However, this same mechanism of action has also been found to have potential benefits for athletes.

During exercise, the body produces nitric oxide, a molecule that helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to muscles. This increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, allowing them to perform at a higher level. Sildenafil citrate works by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, resulting in improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles.

Furthermore, sildenafil citrate has been shown to increase the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a molecule that helps relax smooth muscle cells and increase blood flow. This can lead to improved endurance and performance during physical activity.

The Potential Benefits for Athletes

The potential benefits of sildenafil citrate for athletes are numerous. Studies have shown that it can improve exercise capacity, increase time to exhaustion, and enhance muscle strength and power. In a study conducted on cyclists, those who took sildenafil citrate showed a significant increase in their time to exhaustion compared to those who took a placebo (Bescós et al. 2012).

Moreover, sildenafil citrate has been found to have a positive impact on recovery. In a study on soccer players, those who took sildenafil citrate after a match had lower levels of creatine kinase, a marker of muscle damage, and reported less muscle soreness compared to those who took a placebo (Bescós et al. 2013).

Additionally, sildenafil citrate has been shown to improve oxygen uptake and utilization, which can lead to improved endurance and performance. This is especially beneficial for endurance athletes such as runners, cyclists, and swimmers.

Real-World Examples

The use of sildenafil citrate in sports is not a new concept. In 2008, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) added sildenafil citrate to its list of prohibited substances. This was due to concerns that it could be used as a performance-enhancing drug. However, in 2012, WADA removed sildenafil citrate from its list of prohibited substances, stating that there was no evidence to suggest that it enhanced athletic performance (WADA 2012).

Despite this, some athletes have still been caught using sildenafil citrate as a performance-enhancing drug. In 2018, Russian curler Alexander Krushelnitsky was stripped of his Olympic bronze medal after testing positive for sildenafil citrate (BBC 2018). This incident sparked a debate about the use of sildenafil citrate in sports and its potential benefits for athletes.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Data

The pharmacokinetics of sildenafil citrate have been extensively studied in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, there is limited research on its pharmacokinetics in athletes. One study found that the absorption of sildenafil citrate was not affected by exercise, but its effects on blood flow were enhanced during exercise (Bescós et al. 2012).

As for pharmacodynamics, studies have shown that sildenafil citrate can improve oxygen uptake and utilization, as well as increase time to exhaustion and muscle strength and power. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on athletic performance.

Expert Opinion

According to Dr. Mark Jenkins, a sports pharmacologist and professor at the University of Queensland, “Sildenafil citrate has the potential to enhance athletic performance, particularly in endurance sports. Its ability to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles can lead to improved endurance and recovery.” However, he also notes that more research is needed to fully understand its effects on athletic performance and the potential risks associated with its use.

Conclusion

Sildenafil citrate, commonly known as Viagra, has been gaining attention in the sports world for its potential to enhance athletic performance. Its ability to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles can lead to improved endurance, strength, and recovery. While it has been removed from the list of prohibited substances by WADA, its use in sports remains controversial. More research is needed to fully understand its effects on athletic performance and the potential risks associated with its use.

References

BBC. (2018). Russian curler Alexander Krushelnitsky stripped of Olympic bronze medal after admitting doping. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/winter-olympics/43157323

Bescós, R., Rodríguez, F.A., Iglesias, X., Ferrer, M.D., Iborra, E., Pons, A., & Drobnic, F. (2012). Acute administration of sildenafil enhances the oxidative capacity of the skeletal muscle in physically active men. British Journal of Pharmacology, 166(5), 1650-1659.

Bescós, R., Rodríguez, F.A., Iglesias, X., Ferrer, M.D., Iborra, E., Pons, A., & Drobnic, F. (2013). Sildenafil does not improve exercise performance in trained cyclists. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 34(2), 87-94.

WADA. (2012). The 2012 Prohibited List. Retrieved from https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/2012_prohibited_list_en.pdf