What is Oxilofrine?

Yesterday, a certain drug on the market that many may not have heard of before jumped in to the headlines. After positive tests from American sprinter Tyson Gay and Jamaica’s Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson, many were left wondering, ‘what is oxilofrine?’

While Gay did not state the substance that is A sample tested positive for, Powell and Simpson both stated that oxilofrine was the culprit.

Oxilofrine (methylsynephrine) is a banned stimulant that is an amphetamine chemically related to ephedrine and to synephrine. To be fair to those athletes that tested positive for the substance, oxilofrine can be found in a number of dietary supplements.

Both Powell and Simpson denied knowingly taking the substance in their official statements.

Powell:

"I want to be clear in saying to my family, friends and, most of all, my fans worldwide that I have never knowingly or wilfully taken any supplements or substances that break any rules.  I am not now – nor have I ever been – a cheat.”"

Simpson:

"I was notified on July 14, 2013 that my urine sample taken at the National Senior Championship, June 21, 2013 after the 100m finals returned a positive analytical finding for a stimulant, oxilofrine (methylsynephrine). As an athlete, I know I am responsible for whatever that goes into my body. I would not intentionally take an illegal substance of any form into my system."

If they are to be believed, let this be the latest warning to athletes.

You are responsible for what goes in to your body and you should be doing your research at all times. Trusting a nutritionist is never enough, because in the end you are always responsible.