title: [Ephedrine and ephedra in weight loss products and other preparations].
abstract: Ephedrine is a sympathicomimetic agent that stimulates the central nervous and cardiovascular systems and causes bronchodilatation. It is one of the alkaloids in the herb Ephedra which is the basis of several over-the-counter herbal products, among which a number of popular weight-loss products. The Dutch Inspectorate for Health Care has received reports of adverse reactions presumably associated with Ephedra-containing weight-loss products. These adverse reactions comprised mainly palpitations, stress, headache and insomnia. The Ministry of Health in Canada has recently requested a market recall of some ephedrine-containing herbal products in response to a large number of adverse reactions reported in association with these products. The adverse reactions included stroke, heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures and psychotic disorders. The voluntary recall concerns especially products that were marketed without approval and contain Ephedra in combination with caffeine or other stimulants. In the Netherlands, the status of Ephedra-containing products is currently reconsidered.
authors.affiliation: Inspectie voor de Gezondheidszorg, sectie Geneesmiddelenbewaking, Postbus 16.119, 2500 BC Den Haag.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: van der Hooft
authors.forename: B H Ch
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Stricker
mesh_terms: D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D001067:Appetite Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D029789:Ephedra / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004809:Ephedrine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D001067:Appetite Depressants; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002110:Caffeine; D004809:Ephedrine