WARNING: The FDA has ruled that ephedra is a health risk. Severe side effects and drug interactions (some life-threatening) have been reported with the use of ephedra. ALWAYS check with a healthcare provider before taking any product that contains ephedra. Traditional Chinese natural remedies and natural teas are the only products in the US that may still contain ephedra. (The Chinese name for ephedra is ma-huang.)
Type of medicine: natural remedy
Scientific and common names: Ephedra sinica, Ephedra gerardiana, Ephedra distachya, Ephedra equisetina, Ephedra shennungiana, Ephedra herba, Ephedra sinesis, Ephedra vulgaris, Ephedra intermedia, ephedra, Chinese ephedra, ma-huang, desert herb, natural ecstasy, joint fir, popotillo, sea grape, teamster's tea, yellow astringent, yellow horse
Ephedra is a shrub. The dried young branches of the ephedra shrub are used medicinally.
The active ingredient in ephedra that is used in medicines is called ephedrine. Ephedrine is a stimulant of the heart, lungs, and central nervous system.
Ephedra has been suggested as a treatment for many conditions, but it is not considered safe. Ephedra can increase risk of stroke, seizure, and heart attack and may result in death. There is no safe use for ephedra.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.
Ephedra may be taken as a tablet, capsule, or liquid. It can also be prepared as a tea to drink. Follow the directions printed on the product label or given by your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
Do not take ephedra if you have:
Do not take this remedy if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It may cause premature labor.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:
Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe headache with no known cause; weakness, numbness, or tingling in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance; trouble urinating; nosebleeds; chest pain or irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; seizures; fainting.
Other: Minor headache, irritability, confusion, nausea, restlessness, vomiting, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, trouble concentrating, dry mouth, flushing, stomach pain.
When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Do NOT take ephedra if you are also taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.
This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.
