NCJ Number
170682
Journal
Trial Volume: 33 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1997) Pages: 61-64,66-67
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Ephedrine is variously marketed as a dietary supplement, an appetite suppressant, an herbal stimulant, a muscle builder, and an enhancer of sexual potency, but the drug can build to toxic levels in the body with repeated use over the course of a day or several days.
Abstract
Because of its side effects, ephedrine has fallen into disfavor with pharmacists and doctors who no longer sell it or recommend it in its single-component form. Still, ephedrine has been enjoying renewed popularity as an easily obtained over-the- counter stimulant and sales have risen dramatically during the past 10 years. At least one class action lawsuit has been certified against the maker and distributor of an herbal ephedrine product, and at least 14 States have imposed some restrictions on the distribution of ephedrine drugs. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 regulates dietary supplements but defines them in very broad terms. Ephedrine stimulates the central nervous system and increases arterial blood pressure by peripheral vasoconstriction and cardiac stimulation, resulting in an increased heart rate and cardiac output. Other effects include stimulation of oxygen uptake, thermogenesis, and relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscle. Guidance is offered for lawyers involved in ephedrine-related cases. The need to review medical information on the drug and its effects, drug marketing and distribution practices, consumer protection statutes, and the presence or absence of drug warnings on packages is stressed. 14 notes