Ephedra diet pill availability?

Asked by: Dana Bennett

Can you still find ephedra?

Dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids were banned by the FDA in 2004. Medications containing ephedrine and the ephedra plant are still available for purchase, though regulations may vary by location.

Where do you find ephedra?

Ephedra is a genus of gymnosperm shrubs. The various species of Ephedra are widespread in many arid regions of the world, ranging across southwestern North America, southern Europe, northern Africa, southwest and central Asia, northern China and western South America.

Is ephedra banned in USA?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of ephedra-containing products in April 2004 in response to mounting scientific evidence and the receipt of more than 18,000 adverse-event reports. The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the ban in 2006, and ephedra sales remain illegal today.

Can you buy ma huang in the US?

ANSWER: Ephedra sinica, the herb also known as Ma Huang, is the one that was outlawed by the FDA and can no longer be legally sold as a dietary supplement.

What over-the-counter medicine has ephedrine?

Ephedrine is available over-the-counter (OTC) as an oral medication in combination with the expectorant guaifenesin, and comes in the form of tablets, caplets, or syrup.
What is ephedrine used to treat?

• Bronkaid®
• Primatene® Tablets.
• Store Brands (ex: Walmart’s “Equate” store brand or CVS Health store brand)

What is the difference between ephedra and ephedrine?

Ephedrine is a chemical contained in the ephedra herb. Ephedrine has medical uses, mostly in operating rooms and intensive care units. Its chemical properties raise blood pressure and heart rate and open up the large air passages in the lungs.

Can you grow ephedra in the US?

As of April 12, 2004, dietary supplements containing ephedrine are no longer legal to sell in the United States. The ban is now in effect. Note: Seeds and plants are unaffected by the ban. It is legal to grow your own ephedra or ma huang for personal use.

Can ephedra be prescribed?

Ephedra is also prescribed for symptoms of cold and flu, including nasal congestion, cough, fever, and chills. While ephedra is a naturally-occurring herb, its main active ingredient ephedrine can also be synthesized as a medication.

What is the common name of ephedra?

Integrated Taxonomic Information System – Report

How much ephedrine is in ma huang?

Ma-huang is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from Ephedra sinica Stapf and other Ephedra species, used to treat asthma, nose and lung congestion, and fever with anhidrosis. It contains 0.5–2.5% by weight of total alkaloids, of which ephedrine accounts for 30 to 90%.

Can you buy ephedra in Canada?

In the interest of public safety, importing or reselling ephedra/ephedrine products is illegal unless you are a manufacturer or wholesaler licensed to produce or sell these products. Customs Canada is now confiscating ephedra/ephedrine products being brought into Canada.

What plant contains ephedrine?

Ephedrine, a precursor of methamphetamine, is the active alkaloid of the plant Ephedra vulgaris, which has been used in China for centuries as the herb Ma Huang.

Can you grow Ephedra?

It is drought resistant and winter hardy. Soils: Grows primarily on sandy, gravelly or rocky, well-drained, undeveloped soils. Green ephedra grows well on shallow, medium or deep soils and is tolerant of calcareous, weakly saline, moderately alkaline, and slightly sodic soils.

Does Mormon tea contain ephedrine?

The dried branches are boiled in water to make the tea. People use it as a beverage and as a medicine. Be careful not to confuse Mormon tea (Ephedra nevadensis) with ephedra (Ephedra sinica and other ephedra species). Unlike these other plants, Mormon tea does not contain ephedrine, an unsafe stimulant.