Dexamethasone is a relatively pure glucocorticoid which has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is NOT a performance enhancing drug.

In fact, it weakens the muscle and chronic use would cause the muscles to atrophy. As such it decreases the performance of the athlete.

Because of the strong anti-inflammatory property of the glucocorticoids, they may mask injuries and this may lead to more severe injuries to the athletes. As a measure to protect the athletes, these drugs are prohibited for use during competition.

If they need to be used, special permission must obtained from the relevant authorities.

Unfortunately, a lot of athletes and their medical handlers do not realise that use of these drugs if given as the depot or long-acting preparation can last a very long time.

For instance, a preparation of dexamethasone called Alin Depot which is given by intramuscular injection, in some people can last for three weeks or even more.

This, if given a few weeks outside competition for some legitimate medical condition, may give a positive drug test to the unfortunate athlete during competition!