Lima Memorial Health System Logo
Approximate ER WAIT TIME
5

Health Library

Possible Interactions with: Ephedra
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks

Possible Interactions with: Ephedra

Ephedra; Ephedra sinensis; Ephedra sinica; Ma huang

While no specific interactions (positive or negative) between the herb ephedra and conventional medications have been reported, the active ingredients of ephedra, ephedrine, and pseudoephedrine 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 -- Amphetamine and amphetamine derivatives (such as dextroamphetamine sometimes used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy) should not be used with ephedra. Ephedra may cause increased effects of amphetamines on the body, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Antidepressants -- Ephedra may interact with 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).
  • Aspirinand blood-thinning medications -- Ephedra may increase bleeding in sensitive individuals, such as those taking aspirin or other blood thinning medications.
  • Blood pressure medications -- Ephedra may interact with blood pressure lowering medications, particularly clonidine.
  • Caffeine and guarana (a caffeine-containing herb)
  • Narcotics -- Ephedra may interact with narcotices prescribed for pain, such as morphine and codeine; codeine may also be prescribed for cough.
  • Theophylline -- Ephedra may interact with theophylline (used for asthma).

BACK TO TOP

    The Basics

     

      Advanced Study

       
       

       

       

       

      Review Date: 11/30/2007  

      Reviewed By: Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

      The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
      adam.com