Brazilian clubs say they won't use Viagra to enhance play

Brazilian clubs say they won't use Viagra to enhance play
1/14/2009

Drugstores Online

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- Two Brazilian soccer teams denied they are considering combatting the effects of playing at high altitudes during Copa Libertadores by using Viagra, a drug being studied by the World Anti-Doping Agency for its potential use as a performance enhancer.

The issue emerged this week when Brazilian reporters asked a Gremio trainer, Alarico Endres, about possibly using Viagra -- the blue pill commonly associated with treating sexual dysfunction in men -- during the South American championship.

Viagra, or sildenafil citrate, suppresses an enzyme that regulates blood flow and allows vessels to relax and widen. It also was used to treat pulmonary hypertension by relaxing the arterial wall.

In the case of athletes, increased cardiac output and more efficient transport of oxygenated fuel to the muscles can enhance endurance.

"We're going to analyze everything that could benefit the players in (high) altitude," Endres responded.

But Gremio physician Marcio Bolzoni said Endres was misinterpreted.

"Gremio would never use professional athletes to experiment with a drug," Bolzoni said. "If it is proven that it enhances an athlete's performance, its use will be immediately considered as doping."

Palmeiras team doctor Claudio Pavanelli told the GloboEsporte Web site: "Viagra may be a potent vascular dilator, but it is no use pumping more blood to the muscle if it does not have the capacity to receive it. It would be like equipping an old car with a bigger gas tank but keeping the same engine."

WADA is sponsoring a study to determine whether Viagra should be banned from sports.