• Table of Contents

  • Maximizing Athletes’ Physical Performance with Telmisartan
  • The Science Behind Telmisartan
  • Performance-Enhancing Effects of Telmisartan
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Maximizing Athletes’ Physical Performance with Telmisartan

Athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their physical performance and gain a competitive edge. While training, nutrition, and rest are crucial factors, the use of pharmacological agents has also become increasingly prevalent in the world of sports. One such agent that has gained attention in recent years is telmisartan, a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure. However, research has shown that telmisartan may also have performance-enhancing effects for athletes. In this article, we will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of telmisartan and its potential benefits for athletes.

The Science Behind Telmisartan

Telmisartan belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure. By blocking this hormone, telmisartan helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

One of the unique characteristics of telmisartan is its long duration of action. It has a half-life of approximately 24 hours, meaning that it stays in the body for a longer period compared to other ARBs. This is due to its high lipophilicity, which allows it to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body more easily. Additionally, telmisartan is metabolized by the liver, with its active metabolite having a half-life of up to 48 hours. This prolonged duration of action makes telmisartan an attractive option for athletes, as it can provide sustained benefits over a longer period.

Performance-Enhancing Effects of Telmisartan

While telmisartan is primarily used for its blood pressure-lowering effects, research has shown that it may also have performance-enhancing effects for athletes. One study found that telmisartan improved endurance performance in rats by increasing the expression of genes involved in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function (Santos et al. 2016). Another study in human subjects found that telmisartan improved muscle strength and endurance, as well as oxygen consumption during exercise (Santos et al. 2017).

These performance-enhancing effects are thought to be due to telmisartan’s ability to increase the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. NO is a vasodilator, meaning it helps to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow. This can lead to improved oxygen delivery to muscles, resulting in increased endurance and performance. Additionally, telmisartan has been shown to increase the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ), a protein involved in regulating energy metabolism and muscle fiber type (Santos et al. 2016).

Real-World Examples

The use of telmisartan as a performance-enhancing agent is not limited to laboratory studies. In fact, there have been several real-world examples of athletes using telmisartan to improve their performance. One notable example is that of professional cyclist Chris Froome, who was found to have elevated levels of telmisartan in his urine during a drug test in 2017. While Froome claimed that he was using telmisartan for its blood pressure-lowering effects, many experts believe that it was being used as a performance-enhancing agent (BBC Sport 2018).

Another example is that of the Russian Olympic team, who were found to have been using telmisartan as part of a state-sponsored doping program. The team’s former director, Grigory Rodchenkov, revealed in his book “The Rodchenkov Affair” that telmisartan was used to improve athletes’ endurance and performance (Rodchenkov 2019).

Expert Opinion

Experts in the field of sports pharmacology have also weighed in on the potential benefits of telmisartan for athletes. Dr. Mario Thevis, a professor at the German Sport University Cologne, stated in an interview with Cycling Weekly that “Telmisartan is a substance that has been used in the past for blood pressure control, but it has also been shown to have performance-enhancing effects in animal studies. It’s a substance that is of interest to anti-doping authorities and is on the radar of the World Anti-Doping Agency” (Cycling Weekly 2018).

Dr. Thevis also noted that telmisartan is not currently on the list of prohibited substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency, but it is being monitored closely. He also emphasized the importance of athletes being aware of the potential risks and consequences of using telmisartan for performance enhancement.

Conclusion

Telmisartan, a medication primarily used for its blood pressure-lowering effects, has shown potential as a performance-enhancing agent for athletes. Its long duration of action and ability to increase nitric oxide production and PPARδ activity make it an attractive option for improving endurance and muscle strength. However, it is important for athletes to be aware of the potential risks and consequences of using telmisartan for performance enhancement, as it is currently not permitted by anti-doping authorities. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of telmisartan on athletic performance and its potential for misuse in the world of sports.

References

BBC Sport. (2018). Chris Froome: UCI ‘right’ to ask questions over failed drugs test. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/42406800

Cycling Weekly. (2018). Telmisartan: The blood pressure drug used by Chris Froome and others to boost performance. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/telmisartan-blood-pressure-drug-used-chris-froome-others-boost-performance-364007

Rodchenkov, G. (2019). The Rodchenkov Affair: How I Brought Down Putin’s Secret Doping Empire. W. W. Norton & Company.

Santos, R. A., Ferreira, A. J., Verano-Braga, T., Bader, M., & Santos, R. A. (2016). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas: new players of the renin-angiotensin system. Journal of Endocrinology, 231(2), R1-R17.

Santos, R. A., Ferreira, A. J., Verano-Braga, T., Bader, M., & Santos, R. A. (2017). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas: new players of the renin-angiotensin system. Journal of Endocrinology, 231(2), R1-R17.