Meldonium was developed in Latvia in 1975. WADA classifies the drug as a metabolic modulator, similar to insulin. It is primarily recommended for comprehensive therapy for ischemic heart disease. Among its indications are chronic heart failure, withdrawal syndrome from chronic alcoholism, and decreased performance and physical exertion, especially in athletes.
It is believed that the use of Meldonium helps the body endure physical loads, utilize oxygen efficiently, and quickly restore energy reserves in preparation for new exertions. However, the effectiveness of this drug remains unproven.
This substance is predominantly widespread in countries of the former CIS and the Baltic states. Historically, athletes from Russia have often faced sanctions for using Meldonium (the first being tennis player Maria Sharapova), where since 2014, Meldonium has been listed among the "essential and most important medications."
One Ukrainian sports medic described the drug as follows:
"This drug is complete nonsense. It was taken in bulk in the old days for heart protection as a cardio-protector, for alcoholism, for just about anything, but it does not have the claimed miraculous properties. It's all just a placebo."
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