ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the use of diuretics, and other agents which may be used to mask prohibited drug use along with the World Anti-Doping Agency's regulations to prohibit their use. Diuretics act on the kidneys to increase the rate of urine flow and the excretion of ions, particularly sodium. One of the principal reasons for athletes’ use of diuretics is for their masking effect through the production of copious volumes of urine. Diuretics can have a variety of effects on exercise physiology, including effects on metabolism (thermoregulation and potassium homeostasis) and on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, mostly as a consequence of volume reduction and electrolyte imbalance and depletion. The chapter reviews the significant variety of ways that exercise can affect the pharmacological actions of diuretics, with associated serious side effects. It shows the principal substances that have been used as masking agents in sport. The chapter presents case studies involving diuretics and masking agents.
