Journal of the Neurological Sciences
Volume 217, Issue 1 , Pages 55-60, 15 January 2004

Ischemic stroke after using over the counter products containing ephedra

  • Cassandra Chen

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1-317-274-4455; fax: +1-317-278-4918.
    • Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Clinical Building 291, 541 Clinical Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
    • ,
  • Jose Biller

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Clinical Building 291, 541 Clinical Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
    • ,
  • Steven J. Willing

      Affiliations

    • Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
    • ,
  • Alfredo M. Lopez

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Clinical Building 291, 541 Clinical Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA

Received 23 May 2003; received in revised form 1 August 2003; accepted 26 August 2003.

Abstract 

Dietary supplements containing Ephedra used for weight loss and physical performance enhancement such as “herbal ecstasy” are widely available, and it is estimated that at least 1% of the adult population have taken these products. Ephedra products including Ephedra alkaloids such as phenylpropanolamine or other ephedrine compounds are sold under different names such as Metabolife 356™, Ripped Fuel, Thermadrene, and Shape-Fast Plus. Over 2 years, five patients with ischemic infarctions associated with use of Ephedra products were evaluated at Indiana University Hospital. Ephedrine, like other sympathomimetic agents, predisposes patients to both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. People who take over the counter Ephedra products that claim to boost weight loss, increase energy, or bolster physical performance are at risk of adverse events including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.

Keywords:  Ephedra, Dietary supplements, Stroke

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0022-510X(03)00262-4

doi:10.1016/j.jns.2003.08.012

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
Volume 217, Issue 1 , Pages 55-60, 15 January 2004

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution