What Meldonium Is
Meldonium, also called mildronate, is a synthetic medication created in Latvia in 1972. It belongs to a class of drugs called cytoprotective agents, which means they help protect cells from damage. The drug works by increasing energy production inside cells and improving how well blood flows through the body.
Medical Uses
Meldonium was developed to treat various heart conditions, including angina and heart failure. It was also used to help patients recover from heart attacks and to improve blood circulation to the brain. The medication was approved and used in several Eastern European countries for these medical purposes. Doctors believed it could help the heart work more efficiently by improving how cells use energy.
Athletic Performance
Athletes in some countries began using meldonium because they believed it could improve endurance and recovery. The drug became popular among runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes who thought it would give them a competitive advantage. However, scientific evidence for improved athletic performance in healthy people is limited.
Ban in Sports
In 2016, the World Anti-Doping Agency banned meldonium in all competitive sports. This happened after discovering that many athletes were using it, particularly Russian competitors. The agency decided it was unfair and potentially dangerous for athletes to use the drug to enhance performance. Today, athletes who test positive for meldonium face penalties including suspension from competition.
Availability Today
Meldonium is still available as a prescription medication in some countries like Russia and Latvia for treating heart disease. However, it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is not legally available in the United States or most Western countries. Anyone taking this medication should only do so under doctor supervision in countries where it is legal. 
Answer