The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2026 Prohibited List, which comes into effect as of 1 January 2026 and replaces all previous lists. The changes relate in particular to a new dosing interval of salmeterol, a clarification regarding blood withdrawal, and the prohibition of carbon monoxide.
Change in dosing intervals of salmeterol
The dosing intervals of inhaled salmeterol have been changed. From 1 January 2026, a maximum of 100 micrograms may be inhaled within 8 hours. At the same time, the maximum dose of 200 micrograms within 24 hours remains unchanged. This change is relevant for athletes who inhale a single dose of 100 micrograms for treatment: they must then wait 8 hours before inhaling the next dose. Treatment with 100 micrograms of salmeterol in the morning and evening corresponds to the highest recommended dosage according to the product information and is rarely necessary.
Clarification of the prohibition on the withdrawal of blood – with exceptions
The withdrawal of blood or blood components is now in principle prohibited. Exceptions to this are blood withdrawals, including apheresis, for analytical purposes (e.g. medical tests or doping controls) or for donation purposes in accredited collection centres. Certain therapies involving the withdrawal of blood or blood components are therefore prohibited and require a therapeutic use exemption. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and related procedures are still not prohibited.
Prohibition of Carbon Monoxide
The non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide (CO) has been added to the prohibited methods. The use of carbon monoxide for diagnostic purposes, such as total hemoglobin mass measurements or the determination of pulmonary diffusion capacity, is not prohibited under the supervision of a medical or scientific professional.
For the 2026 Prohibited List, WADA also made formal adjustments and added examples of prohibited substances. An exhaustive list of all modifications is provided by the WADA.
Swiss Sport Integrity reminds all athletes to check all medications before use with the medication inquiry service Global DRO (via website or Mobile App) regarding their prohibited status and to contact us if there are any questions or uncertainties.
