Heptaminol is an amino alcohol

Amino alcohol

Amino alcohols are organic compounds that contain both an amine functional group and an alcohol functional group.-Common amino alcohols:* Ethanolamines* Heptaminol* Isoetarine* Norepinephrine* Propanolamines* Sphingosine...

 which is classified as a vasoconstrictor . It is sometimes used in the treatment of low blood pressure

Hypotension

In physiology and medicine, hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure, especially in the arteries of the systemic circulation. It is best understood as a physiologic state, rather than a disease. It is often associated with shock, though not necessarily indicative of it. Hypotension is the...

, particularly orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension, orthostasis, and colloquially as head rush or dizzy spell, is a form of hypotension in which a person's blood pressure suddenly falls when the person stands up or stretches. The decrease is typically greater than 20/10 mm Hg, and may be...

.

It is classified as a doping

Doping (sport)

The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport is commonly referred to by the term "doping", particularly by those organizations that regulate competitions. The use of performance enhancing drugs is mostly done to improve athletic performance. This is why many sports ban the use of performance...

 substance, in 2008 the cyclist Dmitriy Fofonov was tested positive at the Tour de France

Tour de France

The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France and nearby countries. First staged in 1903, the race covers more than and lasts three weeks. As the best known and most prestigious of cycling's three "Grand Tours", the Tour de France attracts riders and teams from around the world. The...

. In 2010 June the swimmer Frédérick Bousquet

Frédérick Bousquet

Frédérick Bousquet is a freestyle and butterfly swimmer from France. He was the holder of the world record in the 50 m freestyle in a time of 20.94 in long course, set on April 26, 2009 at the final of the French Championships...

was tested positive for the substance, allegely for buying a medicine from the pharmacy.