Short Report

 

Authors: V. Stoynova, I. Getov
Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Sofia

 

Contact details: V. Stoynova, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University - Sofia, 2 Dunav St., Sofia, tel: +359 889 643 699, e-mail: veselinastoyneva@yahoo.com

 

Keywords: ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, adverse reactions, drug safety profile

 

Abstract 

For over 2000 years, Ephedra has been used for treatment of bronchial asthma, colds and flu, chills, fever, hyperhydrosis, headaches, bone pains, nasal congestion, coughing, and sneezing. The pharmacological effects of Ephedra are due mainly to its alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. In the past decades, an alarming number of reports regarding the adverse effects of Ephedra have been received. In Bulgaria, there are over 30 medicinal products registered to contain ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Most of them are for the treatment of colds, flu and coughing and are over-the-counter products. On the other hand, the review of the safety database shows that there are over 2000 cases of adverse reactions, including 8 death cases. The ephedrine and pseudoephedrine containing products are widely available and their uncontrolled use may lead to serious adverse effects.