Davids Cleared to Use Diuretic Eye Drops
Copyright � 1999 Nando Media
Copyright � 1999 Agence France-Presse
ROME, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids
was given permission on Friday to use eye drops containing a
banned diuretic.
The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), which oversees the
country's doping controls, said it had been advised by Rome's
anti-doping laboratory to allow the use of the drops even though
they contain the diuretic dorzolamide.
"Dorzolamide, in the form and dosage in which it is used for
the treatment of glaucoma...should not be subject to any kind of
restriction," the laboratory's report said.
Davids was prescribed the eye drops to treat a temporary
glaucoma which was affecting his vision. Juventus, realising the drops contained a banned substance, asked CONI on Saturday for dispensation to use the drug.
Davids had to sit out Juventus's Intertoto Cup final match
against French side Rennes on Tuesday while CONI waited for
opinions on the substance from the International Olympic
Committee (IOC).
Diuretics increase the body's excretion of water and can
therefore be used to reduce weight rapidly. They are misused in
sports like boxing and weightlifting where athletes compete in
weight classes.
All diuretics are banned by the IOC.
