Last update June 6, 2014

Ephedra

Limited compatibility

Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.

Aerial parts of shrub are used.
It contains ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and flavonoids.
Indications after Commission E of German Ministry of Health: respiratory condition associated to broncho-spasm on children older than 6 y. Do not use for longer than one week. Do not exceed 300 mg of ephedra alkaloids (24 mg Ma-Huang) every day. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine may produce irritability, tachycardia and other effects on CNS (See ephedrine). They may also reduce production of breast milk. They are often misused to lose body weight and as a “tonic psycho-stimulant” as well.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Ephedra.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Ephedra is also known as


Group

Ephedra belongs to this group or family:

References

  1. MedlinePlus. Herbal remedies and supplements for weight loss. Trusted Health information for you 2019 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. MedlinePlus. Fitoterapia y suplementos para bajar de peso. Información de salud para usted. 2019 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Chitturi S, Farrell GC. Hepatotoxic slimming aids and other herbal hepatotoxins. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  4. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume I. WHO monographs 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

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