Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, can function as masking agents because they accelerate the body's excretion of urine, which could potentially hide the presence of other prohibited substances, including steroids.
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Indian sprinter Archana Suseendran, a 29-year-old native of Tamil Nadu, has been slapped with an 18-month suspension for violating anti-doping rules. Suseendran tested positive for chlorthalidone, a diuretic, in an out-of-competition test conducted at a camp in Thiruvananthapuram on December 19th of last year. The National Dope Testing Laboratory in New Delhi carried out the analysis of her urine sample.
Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, can function as masking agents because they accelerate the body’s excretion of urine, which could potentially hide the presence of other prohibited substances, including steroids. The Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) formalised Suseendran’s suspension on June 9th, even though she declined a provisional suspension when she was initially charged on February 23rd.
Arguing her case in front of the panel through her lawyer, Archana Suseendran explained she had a previous clean track record and claimed the positive result was due to a medication her family doctor had prescribed. This medication was given to alleviate symptoms of dizziness and included the now contentious chlorthalidone and an anti-hypertensive drug called telmisartan.
Despite Suseendran’s lawyer’s argument that she deserved only a reprimand because there was no intentional performance-enhancing substance use, the ADDP pointed out that Suseendran did not include the names of these medications on her doping control form, something the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) lawyer highlighted when advocating for her suspension.
Suseendran requested a retroactive therapeutic use exemption (TUE) after her positive test, but the TUE committee turned it down, stating the treatment for a single instance of hypertension was not suitable. The disciplinary panel did not agree with the athlete’s argument for exoneration but did acknowledge her appeal to classify the incident as “no significant fault or negligence,” which could warrant a lesser penalty.
The panel determined Suseendran’s actions exhibited a “standard degree of fault,” leading to an 18-month suspension. They noted the sprinter, with her experience, should have been more vigilant in verifying whether her medication was prohibited. They indicated a simple internet search could have confirmed the medication’s status according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Archana Suseendran, who was set to be a part of a six-member sprint relay team for the ongoing Asian Championships in Bangkok, had to withdraw from the team before the announcement to the media. She had previously shown promising performance at the Grand Prix meet at Thiruvananthapuram in March and the Asian indoor championships at Astana, Kazakhstan. She also secured a personal best in the 200m at the National Games at Gandhinagar and finished second in the 100m race.
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