Also listed as: Ephedra sinensis; Ephedra
sinica; Ma huang
While no specific interactions (positive or negative) between the herb
ephedra and conventional medications have been reported in the literature, the
active ingredients of ephedra, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine (available in a
number of over-the-counter and prescription products for weight loss or nasal
congestion), have been associated with several serious drug interactions. We may
assume, for safety's sake, that those drugs that interact with ephedra's active
ingredients may also interact with the herb ephedra. Medications for which there
are well-documented interactions with ephedra's active ingredients include:
Amphetamine and Amphetamine derivatives (such as
dextroamphetamine sometimes used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
and narcolepsy)
Antidepressants; namely, those in the class of tricyclics (such
as clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, and nortriptyline) and
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including phenelzine and trancylcypromine)
Narcotics, such as morphine and codeine, prescribed for pain;
codeine may also be prescribed for cough
Phenylpropanolamine (also known as norephedrine, found in
certain supplements); formerly in many over the counter and prescription
remedies for cough and cold; was removed from the market by the FDA because of
risk of bleeding stroke. Norephedrine found in certain dietary supplements for
weight loss can cause liver damage.
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the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse
of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage
to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or
otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents
of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds
currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a
guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information
provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare
practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts)
regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications
before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.