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The chemical compound ephedrine (EPH) is an alkaloid derived from a shrub in the family
Ephedraceae, commonly known as ephedra. It is closely related to methamphetamine and other
phenethylamines.
It is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system, and is widely used as a nasal decongestant and a treatment for asthma.
Ephedrine is found in many popular weight control products, some of which the FDA believes may be hazardous. In fact, the FDA has recently banned the sale, although not the possession of, all ephedrine-containing dietary supplements.
Most of the serious injuries associated with ephedrine involve high blood pressure that can cause bleeding in brain, a stroke or a heart attack. Ephedrine
HCL, used as a bronchodilator, is considered a drug and not a supplement; therefore, it is not targeted in the FDA ban.
The traditional Chinese herb ma huang, or ephedra sinica, contains natural ephedrine and is often used in health supplements.
Ephedrine is commonly used in clandestine methamphetamine labs. There are several methods for converting ephedrine into
methamphetamine.
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