The WADA Prohibited List at first glance looks like a chaotic list of chemical names. In fact, it has a clear structure: each substance belongs to a certain category marked with S, M or P. Understanding this structure helps the athlete and the doctor to quickly assess the risk of a particular drug. The editors explain what is hidden behind each letter and number.
How the list is constructed
The list is divided into three large blocks. The first is substances and methods that are prohibited at all times, i.e. both during the competitive and non-competitive periods. The second is substances prohibited only during competitions. The third is substances prohibited in certain sports. Whether it can be taken, for example, in the off-season depends on which block the drug belongs to.
The letter S (substances) denotes classes of substances, M (methods) — prohibited methods, P (particular sports) — substances prohibited in certain sports. The digital numbering inside the unit has remained constant for years, so athletes and doctors often simply say "this is an S4" or "this is an S6".
Each category contains examples of specific substances, but the lists are not exhaustive. The wording "including, but not limited to" and "other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effects" means that the absence of a name on the list does not guarantee the drug's permissibility.
The concept of "during the competition" is defined by the Code: as a general rule, it is the period from 23:59 of the day preceding the competition in which the athlete participates until the end of the competition and the sample collection process. It is from this interval that it depends whether the detection of a substance from the block "only during the competition" will be a violation.
| Code | Category | When prohibited |
|---|---|---|
| S0 | Unapproved substances | Always |
| S1 | Anabolic agents | Always |
| S2 | Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics | Always |
| S3 | Beta-2 agonists | Always |
| S4 | Hormonal and metabolic modulators | Always |
| S5 | Diuretics and masking agents | Always |
| M1–M3 | Blood manipulation, chemical and physical manipulation, gene and cellular doping | Always |
| S6–S9 | Stimulants, narcotics, cannabinoids, glucocorticoids | In-competition |
| P1 | Beta blockers | In certain sports |
Substances prohibited at all times (S0–S5)
S0 — unapproved substances. This includes any pharmacological substance that is not included in other sections and is not approved by any government health authority for human use. Typical examples are drugs at the stage of preclinical or clinical research, "research chemicals", veterinary drugs. The category closes the loophole for new compounds.
S1 — anabolic agents. Includes anabolic androgenic steroids — both exogenous (nandrolone, stanozolol, metandienone, tibolone, etc.) and endogenous when administered externally (testosterone, DHEA). A separate subdivision is other anabolic agents: clenbuterol, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), zeranol, and others.
S2 — peptide hormones and growth factors. Erythropoietin and agents that stimulate erythropoiesis, chorionic gonadotropin and luteinizing hormone in men, corticotropins, growth hormone and its releasing factors, secretagogues (in particular ibutamoren), insulin-like growth factor and other growth factors.
S3 — beta-2 agonists. All selective and non-selective beta-2-agonists are prohibited, except for the expressly stated exceptions for inhalation use within the limits of defined doses: salbutamol, formoterol, salmeterol and vilanterol. Threshold concentrations in urine have been established for salbutamol and formoterol.
S4 — hormonal and metabolic modulators and S5 — diuretics and masking agents. S4 covers aromatase inhibitors, SERMs, other anti-estrogens, agents affecting myostatin, as well as metabolic modulators — insulins, AMPK activators, meldonium, trimetazidine. S5 contains diuretics, desmopressin, probenecid, and plasma substitutes that may mask other substances.
Prohibited methods (M1–M3)
M1 — manipulation of blood and its components. The introduction of any amount of blood (autologous, homologous, heterologous) or erythrocyte products, artificial enhancement of oxygen transport (for example, perfluorinated compounds, modified hemoglobins) and any intravascular manipulation of blood by physical or chemical means is prohibited. The current list also regulates blood withdrawal, with exceptions for testing and accredited donation, and identifies supervised diagnostic exceptions.
M2 covers sample tampering and IV infusions or injections exceeding a total of 100 mL per 12 hours. Exceptions concern legitimate hospital treatment, surgery or clinical diagnostic investigations—not clinical trials as a general category.
The infusion rule often comes as a surprise to athletes. An ordinary dropper with saline solution "for recovery" in a private clinic can become a violation if its volume and speed exceed the limit and there is no permission for therapeutic use. The reason is that infusions can dilute urine and change blood parameters.
M3 — gene and cell doping. The use of nucleic acids or their analogues that can change the sequence of the genome or the expression of genes, genetically modified cells, as well as normal or genetically modified cells to improve results is prohibited. So far, the category is mainly preventive in nature, but its importance will grow with the development of gene therapy.
Prohibited during competition (S6–S9) and P1
S6 — stimulants. A large class, from amphetamines and cocaine to ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, methylhexanamine (DMAA), modafinil and many others. Threshold concentrations in urine have been established for ephedrine, methylephedrine, and pseudoephedrine. Certain substances, such as caffeine, nicotine and phenylephrine, are in the monitoring program and are not prohibited.
S7 — narcotics. Certain narcotic analgesics are prohibited: morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl and derivatives, methadone, buprenorphine and others. Since 2024, tramadol has been added to this category. Codeine is not banned at the time of writing.
S8 — cannabinoids. Natural and synthetic cannabinoids, including THC, with the exception of cannabidiol (CBD) are prohibited. It should be remembered that products with CBD may contain impurities of THC. A threshold level has been established for THC in urine.
S9 — glucocorticoids. Prohibited during competition by any injection, oral or rectal route of administration. Since 2022, all injectables, including intra-articular and local, have been added to the prohibited routes, and WADA has established withdrawal periods for various drugs. Topical and inhaled routes are not prohibited within licensed doses and indications; this does not exempt local injections.
P1 — beta-blockers. Prohibited in certain sports where accuracy and tremor control are important: archery, shooting, billiards, golf, darts, some underwater and other disciplines. For some of them, the ban also applies outside of competitions. The list of sports should be checked annually in the current list.
Specified substances and substances of abuse
Within the categories, there is an additional division into "specified" and "non-specified" substances. Those that are more likely to enter the body with a purpose other than improving the result are classified as specified - for example, cold medicine. This does not mean that they are less prohibited, but it affects the burden of proof and the possible term of the sanction.
“Specified” is a formal anti-doping category. In 2026, S4.1 and S4.2 are specified, while S4.3 and S4.4 are non-specified. Prohibited methods are generally non-specified, but M2.2 is specified. Consult the exact class rather than infer status from the word “hormone.”
The Code separately singled out "substances of abuse": cocaine, diamorphine (heroin), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and THC. If the athlete proves that the use took place outside of competition and was not related to the results, the standard sanction is three months, but it can be reduced to one month if he completes a treatment program.
Practical summary: the category and status of the substance determine not only the fact of violation, but also the consequences. Therefore, both athletes and doctors should check not only the name of the drug, but its current status in the official drug reference databases.
- Check every drug, including over-the-counter cold remedies.
- Check the route of administration: it is crucial for S3 and S9.
- Reread the explanatory notes to the new list each year.
Editorial conclusions
The banned list has a logical structure: S0–S5 and M1–M3 are banned at all times, S6–S9 – during competition, P1 – in certain sports.
The absence of a substance's name in the list does not guarantee its permissibility, because the categories contain open wording about a similar structure or action.
Status as a “specified” substance or “substance of abuse” affects sanctions but does not make the substance legal.
We also advise you to read our materials on how the WADA list is formed, on the procedure for obtaining TUE and on the risks of unintentional doping through dietary supplements.
References
- World Anti-Doping Agency. International Standard: Prohibited List. Montreal: WADA; акÑÑалÑна ÑедакÑÑÑ.
- World Anti-Doping Agency. World Anti-Doping Code 2021. Montreal: WADA; 2021 (Articles 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 10.2.4).
- World Anti-Doping Agency. Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes (ÑоÑÑÑÐ½Ñ Ð²Ð¸Ð´Ð°Ð½Ð½Ñ).
- World Anti-Doping Agency. Glucocorticoids and Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ÑÐµÑ Ð½ÑÑна ÑнÑоÑмаÑÑÑ Ñа пеÑÑоди виведеннÑ, 2022).
- World Anti-Doping Agency. Monitoring Program. Montreal: WADA; акÑÑалÑна ÑедакÑÑÑ.
- Pope HG Jr, Wood RI, Rogol A, et al. Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev. 2014;35(3):341–375.
