Page 16 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

Important Remarks:

• Ephedrine is an adrenergic drug which stimulates CNS, increases blood pressure
(vasoconstrictor), causes tachycardia, bronchodilator, cough sedative, increases blood
sugar level.

• It stimulates thermogenesis in adipocytes (causes weight loss and enhances athletic
performance).

• N.B. The FDA has recommended a maximum of 24 mg of ephedrine daily for up to 7 days.
But, typical doses for weight loss is 50-100 mg 3 times daily for long time (causes toxicity
and may cause addiction).

• It is not recommended during pregnancy, lactation, or for pediatric use (crosses placenta
and breast milk).

• It interferes with anti-diabetic drugs.
• It increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias in patients taking Digoxin and cardiac glycosides.

Diagram of T. S of Ephedra Stem

14