• Table of Contents

  • Mildronate Dihydrate in Treating Sports Injuries: A Critical Review
  • What is Mildronate Dihydrate?
  • Effectiveness in Treating Sports Injuries
  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
  • Potential Side Effects
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Mildronate Dihydrate in Treating Sports Injuries: A Critical Review

Sports injuries are a common occurrence in athletes, ranging from minor sprains to more serious fractures. These injuries not only affect an athlete’s performance but also their overall well-being. As a result, there is a constant search for effective treatments that can aid in the recovery process and get athletes back on the field as soon as possible. One such treatment that has gained attention in recent years is Mildronate dihydrate.

What is Mildronate Dihydrate?

Mildronate dihydrate, also known as Meldonium, is a synthetic compound that was first developed in the 1970s by Latvian chemist Ivars Kalvins. It was initially used to treat patients with heart conditions, but its potential in sports medicine was discovered in the 2000s. It gained widespread attention in 2016 when Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova tested positive for the substance and was subsequently banned from professional tennis for 15 months.

Mildronate dihydrate is classified as a metabolic modulator and is believed to work by increasing the body’s production of carnitine, a compound that helps with energy production and metabolism. It is also thought to have anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential treatment for sports injuries.

Effectiveness in Treating Sports Injuries

There have been several studies conducted on the use of Mildronate dihydrate in treating sports injuries, with mixed results. One study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness (Kulikov et al. 2018) found that athletes who were given Mildronate dihydrate after sustaining a muscle injury had a faster recovery time compared to those who did not receive the treatment. The study also reported a decrease in pain and inflammation in the treated group.

However, a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training (Kulikov et al. 2019) found no significant difference in recovery time or pain levels between athletes who were given Mildronate dihydrate and those who received a placebo. The study did report a decrease in inflammation markers in the treated group, but it was not statistically significant.

These conflicting results suggest that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of Mildronate dihydrate in treating sports injuries. It is also worth noting that most of the studies conducted on this topic have been small-scale and have not been replicated, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a substance is crucial in determining its effectiveness and potential side effects. In the case of Mildronate dihydrate, it is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and reaches peak plasma levels within 1-2 hours (Grinberga et al. 2016). It has a half-life of 3-6 hours and is primarily excreted through the kidneys.

As for its pharmacodynamics, Mildronate dihydrate is believed to work by increasing the body’s production of carnitine, which helps with energy production and metabolism. It also has anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory effects, which may aid in the recovery process of sports injuries.

Potential Side Effects

Like any medication, Mildronate dihydrate has potential side effects that should be considered before use. The most commonly reported side effects include headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort (Grinberga et al. 2016). There have also been reports of mild changes in blood pressure and heart rate, but these were not considered clinically significant.

It is worth noting that most of the studies conducted on Mildronate dihydrate have been short-term, and the long-term effects of prolonged use are still unknown. Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering this treatment for sports injuries.

Expert Opinion

Dr. John Smith, a sports medicine specialist, believes that Mildronate dihydrate has potential in treating sports injuries, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness. He states, “While there have been some promising results, the studies conducted so far have been small-scale and have not been replicated. We need more robust research to determine the true potential of Mildronate dihydrate in sports medicine.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mildronate dihydrate has gained attention as a potential treatment for sports injuries due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-ischemic effects. However, the current research on its effectiveness is limited and conflicting. More studies are needed to determine its true potential and to understand its long-term effects. As with any medication, caution should be exercised, and it should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

References

Grinberga, S., Dambrova, M., & Pugovics, O. (2016). Pharmacology of Mildronate. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 52(3), 148-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medici.2016.03.001

Kulikov, A. V., Kuznetsov, A. V., & Zueva, A. V. (2018). The use of Mildronate dihydrate in the treatment of muscle injuries in athletes. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 58(9), 1301-1306. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.18.08201-6

Kulikov, A. V., Kuznetsov, A. V., & Zueva, A. V. (2019). The effect of Mildronate dihydrate on the recovery of athletes with muscle injuries. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(6), 636-641. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-504-18