Table 2. Interactions with Ephedra

Drugs	Lab Tests	Diseases or Conditions
Amitriptyline: Blocks the hypertensive effects of ephedrine	Norpseudoephedrine (Schedule IV) may be found in urine. May cause false-positives in urine and amphetamine and methamphetamine tests. May raise blood glucose levels.	Contraindicated Angina Anorexia Bulimia Cerebral insufficiency Heart disease Uncontrolled    hypertension Hyperthyroid Pheochromocytoma	Recommended against use Anxiety Benign prostatic hyperplasia Diabetes Essential tremor Narrow-angle glaucoma Hypertension Kidney stones Myasthenia gravis Urinary retention
Caffeine: Increases the risk of stimulatory adverse effects
Dexamethasone: Ephedrine increases the clearance of dexamethasone
Antidiabetic Agent: Ephedra can raise blood glucose levels
Digoxin: Theoretically, combination can cause arrhythmias
Ergotamine: Combination can cause hypertension
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: Contraindicated due to risk of hypertensive crisis
Oxytocin: May cause hypertension
Theophylline: Increases the risk of stimulatory adverse effects
Urinary acidifiers: Increases ephedrine excretion
Urinary alkalinizers: Reduces ephedrine excretion

 

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