10 Medications Every Certified Athletic Trainer Should Know
Certified athletic trainers may not be prescribing medications, but ATs are often the first professionals to recognize adverse reactions, medication misuse, and red flags that require referral. Whether you’re covering practice, traveling with teams, or coordinating care after an injury, knowing how commonly used drugs affect performance, recovery, and safety is essential.
The information below reflects general adult guidelines. Always follow state laws, team protocols, and medical direction from your supervising physician.
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
Acetaminophen remains one of the most common pain-relievers used by athletes because it does not interfere with platelet function or cause GI irritation like NSAIDs.
Common uses
- Mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain
- Fever
Key considerations
- Many cold and flu products already contain acetaminophen
- Excess dosing can cause severe liver injury
2. Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
A go-to NSAID in sports medicine, ibuprofen is frequently used for inflammatory injuries.
Common uses
- Sprains, strains, tendinopathies
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
Key considerations
- Can increase the risk of GI bleeding and kidney stress
- Use caution with dehydrated athletes or long-term use
3. Naproxen (Aleve®)
Often chosen for longer-lasting pain relief compared with ibuprofen.
Common uses
- Chronic overuse injuries
- Joint inflammation
Key considerations
- Similar GI and renal risks as other NSAIDs
- Avoid combining with other NSAIDs
4. Albuterol (Ventolin®, ProAir®)
Athletic trainers routinely encounter athletes with asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Common uses
- Acute bronchospasm
- Prevention of exercise-induced asthma
Key considerations
- Over-reliance may signal poorly controlled asthma
- Can cause tremors, palpitations, and anxiety
5. Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EpiPen®)
This is one of the most critical emergency medications in an athletic setting.
Common uses
- Anaphylaxis from food allergies, insect stings, or medications
Key considerations
- Know location and expiration dates
- Delayed administration significantly increases the risk of fatality
6. Ondansetron (Zofran®)
Commonly prescribed following concussion-related nausea or illness.
Common uses
- Nausea and vomiting
- Post-concussion symptoms
Key considerations
- Monitor for dizziness and headaches
- Can mask more serious underlying conditions
7. Methylprednisolone / Prednisone
Short steroid tapers are sometimes prescribed for severe inflammation or nerve irritation.
Common uses
- Acute inflammatory flares
- Severe allergic reactions
Key considerations
- Can affect immune response and mood
- Watch for masking of injury severity
8. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril®)
Muscle relaxants are occasionally used for acute muscle spasms.
Common uses
- Severe cervical or lumbar spasms
- Acute muscle guarding
Key considerations
- Causes sedation and delayed reaction tim
- Athletes should not participate while taking it
9. Hydrocodone / Oxycodone (as prescribed post-surgically)
While less common now, opioid exposure still occurs following surgery.
Common uses
- Short-term postoperative pain control
Key considerations
- High risk for misuse and dependency
- Watch for respiratory depression, dizziness, and impaired cognition
10. Anticoagulants (Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Warfarin)
You may encounter athletes with clotting disorders or those who have recently undergone surgery.
Common uses
- Prevention or treatment of blood clots
Key considerations
- Increased risk of bruising and internal bleeding
- Minor trauma can become a medical emergency
Why Medication Awareness Matters in Athletic Training
As an athletic trainer, you are uniquely positioned to:
- Recognize adverse drug reactions
- Identify red flags that require medical referral
- Educate athletes on safe medication use
- Prevent complications related to dehydration, overuse, or polypharmacy
Medications can influence reaction time, hydration status, thermoregulation, healing, and mental clarity — all factors that directly affect athlete safety and performance.
Knowing what your athletes are taking is a critical component of risk management and quality care.
