DjMagra’s stuff ‘n’ stuff

By now we have all heard the reports that Munster and Ireland Rugby International Frankie Sheahan tested positive for a high level of urine Salbutamol, in samples taken during the Heineken European Rugby Cup series last April 26th in Toulouse. Since then many prominent athletes, eminent academics, and sports supporters have voiced their concerns at the apparent “witch-hunt” of one player despite there being numerous arguments in his defence, and many examples of why he should be at least afforded “reasonable doubt”.

There’s a website dedicated to supporting Frankie in his appeal against this ban, and I urge you all to offer your support

SALBUTAMOL is a drug used to treat asthma, and at higher doses in women to delay the onset of labour, and comes from a group of drugs known as Beta Agonists. The most common dosage form is by inhaler, common brands being Ventolin and Salamol inhalers. The drug may also be taken by injection, oral syrup, and tablet. Although acting directly on the lungs, the drug may also have effects on other parts of the body, and it is these side effects that deter patients from inhaling (or taking) too much at once, or over a short period of time. Common side effects of even moderate over-dose include “the shakes”- tremors of muscles, especially fingers, legs, arms, toes, and palpitations, leading in severe cases to heart-rhythm failures. In addition it depletes blood Potassium, which in turn would lead to muscle cramps, and reduction in contractility of muscles.