[ Ephedrine Hydrochloride ] - Ephedrine, also
called Ma Huang, Ephedra,
epitonin, sida cordifolia,
and/or Chinese ephedra, is found in numerous
diet supplements, "muscle enhancers", and appetite suppressants
from makers such as Metabolife, Advocare, Metabolite, and Metab-Rx Ultra.
Note: Ephedra is a broncho-dilator that herbalists value as a natural and effective
alternative to asthma and allergy drugs. Ephedrine is the active constituent of
ephedra. In other words, ephedra is an herb that contains ephedrine, and ephedrine is an FDA-regulated
drug found.
Pseudo-ephedrine hydrocloride is used as over the counter nasal decongestant medicine, in such products as Suphedrine, NyQuil, et al.
Ephedrine HCl is a sympathomimetic drug that relaxes
smooth muscle and constricts blood vessels. It was formerly widely used
as a bronchodilator in the treatment of such conditions as asthma and
chronic bronchitis, but has largely been replaced for treating these
conditions by drugs that have fewer adverse effects. Its main
use now is as a nasal decongestant (alone or in combination with other
drugs) and it is included as an ingredient in many medicines for treating
colds and coughs. It is also used to treat bedwetting in children. Ephedrine
hydrochloride is available as tablets or for injection (prescription
only) and as an elixir or nose drops that can be bought from pharmacies
without a prescription.
The central stimulant effects of Ephedrine are more
marked than those of epinephrine.
In general, the effects of ephedrine are similar to those observed with
epinephrine but are slower in onset, less potent, and longer in duration.
However, in the uterus, Ephedrine produces dilatation of uterine muscle;
Ephedrine is also less effective than epinephrine in elevating the blood
sugar concentration.
As Ephedrine is a powerful stimulant, and is generally
legal, it is often abused. The Food and Drug Administration has 900
reports of side effects, including heart palpitations and psychosis,
heart attacks and strokes. Several states have banned ephedrine-containing
supplements. Federal limitations are pending.
For example, San Diego has pased a law which makes
it illegal to by large quantities of any ephedrine-containing product.
Ordinance
No. 8951 states that, while ephedrine "a white, odorless, powdered
or crystalline alkaloid, isolated from shrubs of the genus Ephedra or
made synthetically, has ligitimate uses including the treatment of allergies
and asthma," it also "has many illegal uses, including the
manfacture of methamphetamine" and that criminals "involved
in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine extract the ephedrine
base from over-the-counter products, such as decongestants, antihistamines,
dietary supplements and 'energy enhancers,' containing ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine..."
Under Ohio Law, the maximum recommended dosage of Ephedrine for a healthy
adult is 100 MG in a 24 hour period, not to be taken for more than 12
weeks.
Truckers have been known to take ephedrine hydrocoloride,
sold as "white cross," to help them stay awake for long hauls.
Ephedrine hydrocloride is also found in what is now being marketed as
"herbal esctasy"...
UPDATE: JANUARY 2004 ~ Ephedrine to be banned.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday, Dec. 30th 2003
that it will ban the use of the popular diet drug ephedra.
"Ephedra products are usually made from a Chinese herb extract called Ma Huang. They were used as far back as the 1920s as a treatment for colds or asthma. For the past decade they've been widely used to boost energy or aid in weight loss. But as evidence of the risks have mounted in recent years, three states -- California, New York and Illinois -- have already banned the supplements. "
Interestingly, you see lots of the weight loss pills now lableling themselves as "Ephdra Free!", as if they are doing you a favor (instead of being legally required not to include ephedra). interview from the News Hour |
Ephedrine use in Diet Pills (Example)
The "TrimLife"
web site claims :
"A little known fact you probably do NOT know is that Human clinical
studies show that when caffeine is combined in an exact scientific ratio
with ephedrine (like in TrimLife) it actually increases the amount of
fat your body will burn, controls your appetite and dramatically increases
your energy levels far above what a cup of coffee offers. TrimLife can
also accomplish this without the inevitable crash that usually follows
when coffee wears off. Here's something else you might not know... Most
diet products do not utilize this scientific caffeine/ephedrine ratio
and therefore they (just like coffee) give people the "Jitters"
and cause nervousness. Jitters and nervous feelings you experience with
other diet products (and coffee) are because caffeine by itself produces
adverse effects on your adrenal glands. "
Fact: Ephedrine is a stimulant. Caffeine is (a less severe) stimulant.
Mixing the two in ANY ratio will not offset the effects. Note that on
the very same site, the legally required warning is posted: "INDIVIDUALS
WHO CONSUME CAFFEINE WITH THIS PRODUCT MAY EXPERIENCE SERIOUS ADVERSE
HEALTH EFFECTS. "
"TrimLife" Product Details:
| Supplement
Facts |
Serving Size:
1 tablet
Servings Per Container 60 Tablets |
|
% Daily
Value |
| Vitamin E (as d-alpha
Tcopheryl Succinate) |
10
IU |
33% |
Chromium (from Chromium Picolinate)
(Chromax™) (Nutrition 21)€ |
25mcg |
21% |
Guarana Seed Extract
4:1
(contains 100mg caffeine) |
455mg |
* |
| L-Tyrosine |
167mg |
* |
Ephedra (Ma Huang)
extract
(contains 10mg ephedrine group alkaloids)
|
143mg |
* |
| Hydroxy Citric Acid (HCA) |
125mg |
* |
| Ginger (root) |
100mg |
* |
| Eluthero (Siberian Ginseng) (root) |
10mg |
* |
| Cayenne (Capsium) |
1mg |
* |
*Daily Value has not been established. |
|
|
|
Other Ingredients:
cellulose, maltodextrin, stearic acid,
croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, cellulose
film-coat.
€ Licensed under U.S. patent No. RE.33,988.......................Each
tablet contains: 10mg ephedrine group alkaloids
SUGGESTED USE:
As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 to 2 caplets, 2 to
3 times per day
(or every 4 hours) 1 hour before meals with 8 oz water.
[20mg to 60 mg per day]
It is recommended that you use this product for 5 days,
discontinue use for 2 days
and continue this cycle for not more than 12 weeks. DO NOT
EXCEED 6 TABLETS PER DAY.
References:
Astrup, A., et al, Metabolishm: Clinical and Experimental
(1992) 41(7):pp,666-688
Astrup, A., et al, Current Therapeutic Research (1990) St. Louis,
MO. Mosby Co.:208
McCarty, M., Med Hypotheses (1995) 45(3):pp.247-254
McCarty, M., Med Hypotheses (1994) 42(4):pp.215-255
|
|
Note: Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler's death in 2003 was widely reported to be linked to use of an ephedra supplement.
(
However, note also that millions of people have used Ephedra on a regular basis and have not died.)
