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ephedra (ma huang)

Banned by FDA Dec. 2003. [4] Uses: 1) weight control 2) CNS stimulant 3) bronchospasm, asthma & bronchitis * used in: Dextatrim, bitter orange, country mallow (heartleaf) Contraindications: 1) hypertension 2) cardiac tachyarrhythmia 3) pheochromocytoma 4) thyrotoxicosis 5) glaucoma 6) nervousness 7) anxiety 8) insomnia Dosage: 1) 15-30 mg of alkaloid/dose 2) NOT to exceed 100 mg/24 hours Adverse effects: 1) cardiac a) may exacerbate cardiac arrhythmias b) may exacerbate hypertension c) cardiac arrest (rare) 2) neurologic a) stroke (rare) b) seizure (rare) Drug interactions: -> MAO inhibitors

General

pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical alkaloid

References

  1. Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, Pharmacy update
  2. Journal Watch 21(2):13, 2001 Haller & Benowitz N Engl J Med 343:1833, 2000
  3. Prescriber's Letter 9(4):23 2002
  4. CNN News Dec 31, 2003
  5. Prescriber's Letter 11(2):7 2004 Detail-Document#: 200201 (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com

Component-of

Metabolife

Components

ephedrine