Amateur endurance athletes' use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a cross-sectional survey.

Objective: To explore amateur endurance athletes' use and views about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of amateur athletes at four athletic clubs.

Key Findings: Of a sample of 129 of amateur athletes, 68% (n = 88) reported using NSAIDs in the previous 12 months (84.4% in triathletes, 70.9% in runners and 52.5% in cyclists). Overall, ibuprofen was the most popular drug (n = 48). There was a lack of knowledge of adverse drug reactions, with only 26% of use advised by a doctor or pharmacist.

Conclusions: There is high usage of NSAIDs in amateur athletes, including before and during events, largely without professional health advice. Informational needs of amateur athletes are not being met.