Meldonium factbox

Russian Olympic curling bronze medallist Alexander Krushelnitsky has left the Pyeongchang Winter Games on suspicion of testing positive for the banned substance meldonium

Meldonium: The drug involved in Alexander Krushelnitsky’s (right) doping case is readily available in Russia and some eastern European countries. It is marketed as Mildronate by Latvian pharmaceutical firm Grindex 

Banned: Former world tennis number one Maria Sharapova (inset) served 15-month ban for using meldonium after it was added to World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list in 2016

Medical use: Meldonium was developed to treat ischemia – reduction in blood supply
to body tissues. The drug aids oxygen uptake and increases endurance

Military: Meldonium was regularly given to Soviet troops in 1980s to boost stamina while fighting at high altitudes in Afghanistan

Pictures: Associated Press