GENERIC NAME: MA-HUANG (Ephedra sp) - ORAL
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: This drug should not be used in combination with other stimulant products (e.g., caffeine), other cough-and-cold products, or as a dietary supplement for the purpose of weight loss or body building. Doing so may increase your risk of unlikely but potentially fatal side effects including: stroke, heart attack, seizures, or severe mental disorders (see Side Effects section and Precautions section). In addition, dietary supplements containing ephedra should not exceed 8 mg as a single ephedra dose, 24 mg of ephedra per day (24 hours), or be given for longer than 7 days, as recommended by the FDA. Exceeding the recommended ephedra dose increases your risk of the side effects noted above. For detailed information, consult your pharmacist. Check all product labels carefully to see if they contain ephedrine or ephedra/ma huang, which are all very similar; do not combine them.
USES: Ma-huang has been used for breathing problems, asthma, swelling and nasal congestion, and weight loss. Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details regarding the particular brand you use. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. When used in high doses, ma-huang may cause serious side effects including heart attack, seizure and stroke. This herbal product should not be used for more than 7 days at a time. Use this product exactly as directed. Do not increase the dose, take it more frequently or use for a longer period than directed because this product can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this product without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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