In 2004, the drug ephedrine was banned by the FDA for use as an energy supplement in the United States. Ephedrine may still be an ingredient, however, in some over-the-counter cough medicines. Ephedrine is a chemical alkaloid that is derived from the Ephedra sinica shrub and, although it has been used in medicine for over 5,000 years, it may cause serious side effects, especially when combined with caffeine. Consult your doctor before using ephedrine and do not use caffeine with any products that contain ephedrine.
History
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) Ephedra website entry, ephedrine was a common cold, flu and bronchitis remedy used in ancient Chinese medicine. Ephedrine was sold over the counter as an energy enhancer and weight-loss supplement, and these supplements often contained caffeine. After the 2003 death of Steve Bechler, a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles baseball team who may have been using ephedrine, the FDA placed a ban on the drug for over-the-counter use.
Prescription Use
In some cases, doctors may prescribe ephedra for cough, fever, nasal congestion and chills. Your doctor may prescribe between 12 and 25 mg of ephedrine alkaloid three times a day for upper respiratory conditions, notes the UMMC website. Do not take ephedrine with caffeine or guarana, an herb that contains caffeine. Ephedrine may interact with other medications, including amphetamine, clomipramine, doxepin, desipramine and nortriptyline, and with blood pressure medications, so consult with your physician before taking ephedrine.
Side Effects
Using ephedrine supplements that include caffeine or taking ephedrine and caffeine together may cause side effects, including vomiting, nausea, heart palpitations and feeling jittery. Serious complications may include heart attack, stroke and death, according to the RAND Corporation website entry titled, Ephedra -- Is It Worth the Risk? Use ephedra with extreme caution if you have a history of heart attack or high blood pressure, notes MayoClinic.com.
Cardiovascular Study
In a 2003 study conducted by Tasha P. Ballard and Matthew D. Vukovich from the South Dakota Health Promotion and Research Program at South Dakota State University and published on the American Physiological Society website, individuals who took ephedra and caffeine had a higher systolic blood pressure, arterial pressure and hypersensitivity response both while resting for 60 minutes and after 30 minutes of exercise than individuals who took only ephedra.
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