Tachycardia ephedra

Normal doses range from 15 to 30 mg of actual alkaloid (ephedrine), and the lethal dose is in the 1-2 g range. Side effects from ephedra use include headache, irritability, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, tachycardia, urinary disorders, and vomiting. 

A) Ephedra has been associated with increased risk of hypertension and tachycardia but not stroke. 

At higher doses, ephedra may be toxic. An overdose of ephedra can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, palpitations, tachycardia, hypertension, psychosis, respiratory depression, convulsions, and coma. 

According to the researchers, nearly half of the adverse events definitely, probably, or possibly caused by ephedra were cardiovascular side effects. The most common cardiovascular side effect was hypertension, or high blood pressure. Other reported cardiovascular events were palpitations, tachycardia (an abnormally fast heartbeat), stroke, and seizures. The researchers stated that 10 of the adverse events definitely, probably, or possibly caused by ephedra resulted in death, and 13 of the events caused permanent disability. In one-fifth of the cases, there was not enough evidence or information about the incident, and the remaining complications were not related to ephedra. 

Ephedra has been closely linked to methamphetamine production. There are movements In many localities to outlaw the herb. There are many drug interactions with Ma huang. )9-BI(K kcrs may enhance the sympathetic effect and cause hypertentiion. MAOIs may interact with ephedra to cause hypertensive cri.si.s. Phcnothiaz.ines might block the or effects of ephedra, causing hypotension and tachycardia. Simultaneous use of theophylline may cau.se GI and CNS effects. In pregnancy, ephedra is absolutely contraindicated (uterine stimulation). Persons with heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes should not take ephedra. 

Many cases of serious adverse effects and even fatalities have been reported that were linked with ephedra or ephedrine administration over the last 10 years. Haller and Benowitz published a review of 140 reports of adverse events related to the use of ephedra alkaloids that were submitted to the FDA between June 1997 and March 1999. Using standardized rating system for assessing causation, 31% of the cases were considered to be definitely or probably related to the use of ephedra alkaloid-containing supplements, and another 31% were deemed to be possibly related. Among these adverse events, 47% involved in cardiovascular symptoms and 18% involved the CNS. Hypertension was the most frequent adverse effect, followed by palpitations, tachycardia, or both stroke and seizures. Ten events led to death and 13 cases produced permanent disability. 

Haller and Benowitz evaluated 140 reports of ephedra-related toxicity and concluded that 31% of the cases were definitely related to ephedra toxicity and a further 31% were possibly related 47% of reports of ephedra toxicity involved cardiovascular problems and 18% involved problems with the CNS. Hypertension was the single most frequent adverse reaction, followed by palpitation, tachycardia, stroke and seizure. Ten events resulted in death and 13 events caused permanent disability. The authors concluded that use of dietary supplements that contains ephedra may pose a health risk. ... 

Herbal substitutes for dru [s of abuse A variety of herbal mixtures are offered for sale in magazines, on the internet and in so-called smart , eco or head shops. Many are marketed as herbal Ecstasy and the plants included in the formulations include Yohimbe bark, Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum),Y-3 e.emi, Hops, Jaborandi and Alisma. One product contains Kava-Kava, Guarana, Uva Ursi and Cascara bark. Many of the products sold as herbal Ecstasy contain either Ephedra sinica (Ma huang) or the Indian plant Sida cordifolia which both contain the alkaloid ephedrine (see R03c, Chapter VI). Other alkaloids may also occur, such as pseudoephedrine, norephedrine and norpseudoephedrine. The side-effects of ephedrine include tachycardia, anxiety, insomnia and arrythmias and a hypotensive crisis may develop if monamine oxidase inhibitors are also taken. Many adverse reactions and more than 20 deaths have been attributed to ephedrine and Ephedra consumption. Research conducted in the US shows that the daily intake of some Ephedra products would give ephedrine levels well above the recommended therapeutic doses. 

Ma huang Ephedrine (various Ephedra spp.) Stimulant athletic performance enhancement appetite suppressant Insomnia hypertension, tachycardia psychosis, seizures (see Caffeine, p 142). 

Mormon tea Ephedra virldls 1 Ephedra tachycardia, hypertension (see p 320)... 

Comprehensive reviews about the chemistry and pharmacology of ephedra and its use in sports and weight loss products have recently been published.The pharmacological effects of maHUANG are generally attributed to ephedrine, which include central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, peripheral vasoconstriction, elevation of blood pressure, bronchodilatation, cardiac stimulation, decrease of intestinal tone and motility, mydriasis, and tachycardia, among others (zhou). The central stimulant action of ephedrine appears to be mediated by /-adrenoceptors and not by dopamine receptors. ... 

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