Ephedra and ephedrine A
A moderate weight reduction, but a serious risk to the heart
Citable fact
«Ephedra and ephedrine» — evidence level A. Dosage: In studies, 20–25 mg of ephedrine with 200 mg of caffeine up to three times a day. No safe regimen of use has been established, and in most countries the drug is banned. Source: PMID 12672771, permanent link to the source in the list below.
How it works
A sympathomimetic: it stimulates alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors, suppresses appetite and increases energy expenditure, but at the same time raises blood pressure, heart rate and myocardial load.
Dosage and intake
In studies, 20–25 mg of ephedrine with 200 mg of caffeine up to three times a day. No safe regimen of use has been established, and in most countries the drug is banned.
It does not matter: intake before physical exertion is especially dangerous because of the combination of stimulation and hyperthermia.
Forms
Ephedra extract (Ephedra sinica) and ephedrine in combination with caffeine have been studied. Data on “safe” herbal substitutes are absent.
What is confirmed
- Meta-analysis: short-term weight loss about 0.9 kg per month greater than in the placebo group
- Data on long-term weight maintenance are absent
- The 2004 US ban was linked to cardiovascular complications, not to a lack of effect
- No benefit for sports performance has been shown
Adverse effects and limitations
- Sharp rise in blood pressure, tachycardia, stroke and heart attack even in young people
- Psychosis, anxiety, insomnia, dependence
- Risk of hyperthermia and heat stroke during exertion in the heat
- Interaction with caffeine and other stimulants increases the danger
Interactions
- MAO inhibitors: hypertensive crisis
- Caffeine and other stimulants: increased cardiotoxicity
- Antihypertensive and cardiac drugs: unpredictable blood pressure fluctuations
Who must not use it
- Under 18 years: Contraindicated.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Contraindicated: risk to the fetus and mother.
- hypertension
- arrhythmias
- cardiovascular diseases
- diabetes
- glaucoma
- hyperthyroidism
- mental disorders
Sources
- Efficacy and safety of ephedra and ephedrine for weight loss and athletic performance: a meta-analysis · Shekelle PG, Hardy ML, Morton SC · JAMA, 2003 · PMID 12672771
- Pharmacology of stimulants prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) · Docherty JR · British journal of pharmacology, 2008 · PMID 18500382
- Prohibited Contaminants in Dietary Supplements · Mathews NM · Sports health, 2018 · PMID 28850291
See also
Open in the app
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