Ephedrine, effect on organs, application, consequences

Action and use of ephedrine - how to take and side effects

No matter how hard you train, how you eat, or what supplements you take, losing weight is almost always a difficult task. The leaner you become, the more hunger you have to deal with, the harder your workouts are, and the less you have to eat to burn more fat. This is why many people start using stimulant drugs such as ephedrine. If you've been working out in the gym for a while, you've probably heard that this substance has downright magical properties in terms of fat burning.

Ephedrine suppresses appetite and also significantly increases the rate of metabolism and fat burning. This means that you will lose weight faster and it will be easier for you to stick to a strict diet.

Manufacturers claim that ephedrine is as safe as caffeine. Moreover, the longer you take it, the higher its effectiveness (unlike the most popular stimulant in the world). But if you look for reviews on the Internet, you will find reviews from many users who claim that ephedrine is a very mediocre drug that is not that safe. Some people say this substance may even increase the risk of anxiety, heart attack and stroke.

Who to believe? How effective is ephedrine? How serious are its side effects and health risks? And if it is safe, how should it be taken? You will find answers to these and many other questions in our article about the action and use of ephedrine. Let's start with the definition of this drug.

Ephedrine for weight loss[edit | edit code]

Ephedrine drug
Ephedrine

(English Ephedrine) is a drug with a stimulating effect, a sympathomimetic, used in bodybuilding to suppress appetite and burn fat. In medicine it is used to treat bronchial asthma, hypotension and some other diseases.

Ephedrine is similar in structure and action to CNS stimulants such as amphetamines and methamphetamines. Chemically, ephedrine is an alkaloid found in various plants of the Ephedra genus (family Ephedraceae). The most common forms are ephedrine hydrochloride and ephedrine sulfate.

Legal status[edit | edit code]

Ephedrine is banned.

The legal status of ephedrine is regulated by the government decree on narcotic drugs.[1].

Be careful! Many popular ECA-based fat burners (cloma pharma, innovative labs and others) claim ephedra as their main substance, the most important component. The sale, production, transportation and storage of ephedrine preparations entails real criminal liability.

By law, ephedrine is included in two restrictive lists:

1) To the list of completely prohibited substances. “Handmade preparations from ephedrine (pseudoephedrine) or from preparations containing ephedrine (pseudoephedrine)” Any homemade preparation from ephedrine (no matter solo or complex) is equated to drugs and entails criminal liability as for full-fledged narcotic substances. [2] 2) To the list of substances significantly limited in public circulation.[3]

Ephedrine can only be produced legally (with all certificates and a license) under the guise of a medicine (almost the only example is broncholithin) and with a mandatory ephedrine concentration of up to 10%. Ephedrine with a concentration of more than 10% is prohibited from any participation in civil circulation, even if it does not fall under the definition of “handicraft production”.

Responsibility

A realistic deadline is possible for the seller and manufacturer. Criminal liability of the seller occurs upon discovery of a large volume (under Article 228.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Art. is relevant for the manufacturer. 228.4 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. When assigning punishment, attention must be paid to the detected volumes. If you have discovered a large volume and there are interested parties, then your situation can be classified as very “severe”. In case of handicraft production, a large volume is considered to be from 10g, especially large - from 500g. For illegal trafficking of ephedrine with a concentration of up to 10%: large - 25g, especially large - 5000g. [4] Exceptions: a) legal sale with all certificates and documents of ephedrine with a concentration of up to 10% (almost the only drug is broncholithin). The consumer faces administrative liability, with the exception of the purchase of ephedrine in large quantities (from 25g).

How much ephedrine is in a jar? What does large volume look like in practice?

The active dosage is 50-100 mg. Cans usually contain 60 capsules (servings). Accordingly, 1 can of real ECA fat burner contains approximately 3-6g of ephedrine. Accordingly, the presence of 5-8 jars of a real ECA fat burner with a dose of ephedrine of 50-100 mg will qualify as a large volume.

Additional expert comments:

Ephedrine, from a legal point of view, is a rather dangerous additive and can entail real criminal liability for a participant in civil trafficking. The Criminal Code of the Russian Federation provides for punishment up to life imprisonment. If there is an interested party, the likelihood of being held liable increases significantly.

Among sports nutrition sellers, the myth about the legality of supplements with a concentration of up to 10% has become actively spread. The source of this myth is unscrupulous manufacturers and importers. The myth is actively promoted in major magazines. There is a high percentage of homemade ECA fat burners on the Russian market, disguised as Western production.

There is a dubious theory regarding the ephedrine content in ECA fat burners. According to one version: instead of ephedrine, manufacturers include ephedra extract in the composition. If this is so, then 2 conclusions arise: a) Manufacturers are deceiving buyers, because... popular fat burners (cloma pharm and others with ECA) clearly contain a powerful stimulant (for example, instead of the desired ephedrine there may be an unspecified component, legal in the Russian Federation DMAA, AMP citrate or something else) b) If popular fat burners contain ephedra extract, then it will still contain ephedrine. The dosages to obtain the desired effect from ephedrine will be low, but to incur legal liability they will be quite sufficient.

The production, purchase and sale of ephedrine is a rather questionable activity with increased legal risk. You should pay attention to a relatively legal and no less effective analogue with similar effects - dmaa (geranium)

.

Author:

Shumanev Dmitry

Fat Burning Extract

Ephedra is the most popular thermogenic nutritional supplement. It is a herbal extract (isolated form) obtained from the mahuang plant, native to Europe, Asia and the United States. The synthetic substance ephedrine is obtained from its plant equivalent. Ephedrine, being a stimulant, is known in medical circles as a beta-2 agonist. However, recent research indicates that synthetic ephedrine also acts on beta-3 receptors, which are active mainly in white adipose fibers (De Matteis, 2002). Agents, natural or synthetic, that act on the beta-2 and beta-3 receptors are considered ideal for weight loss. Ephedra is made up of five different substances called alkaloids. The best studied alkaloid is pseudoephedrine, which is the active ingredient in many drugs. The mahuang plant contains the following ephedra alkaloids: ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, norpseudoephedrine and methylephedrine. Ephedra is a dietary supplement with a typical alkaloid content of 6−8%.

Effect of ephedrine[edit | edit code]

Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic, which means that its action is realized through the release of catecholamines (norepinephrine) from nerve endings, which in turn interact with adrenergic receptors. The effect of ephedrine in general is manifested by activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Ephedrine itself does not interact with adrenergic receptors. [5] The effect of ephedrine on the central nervous system is limited because it does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier well.

Effects of ephedrine[edit | edit code]

• Fat Burning
• Decreased appetite (severe)
• Mental stimulation
• Increased heart rate
• Acceleration of metabolism
• Increased performance and training performance
• Moderate diuretic effect

Ephedrine combination[edit | edit code]

Most often, ephedrine is combined with caffeine and aspirin - ECA (ephedrine, caffeine, aspirin), sometimes aspirin is replaced with salicin, which is practically no different in action from aspirin. Many sports nutrition manufacturers used to produce fat burners based on ECA. Currently, fat burners with ECA are illegal in Russia and many countries around the world, but continue to be manufactured in countries such as China, India, etc.

Hardcore of the 21st century: fat burners with ephedra and geranium

For the desperate and crazy athletes, we have something else in store. You can give yourself a real mind blower if you take ephedra and geranium. Of course, not in its pure form, but in fat burners. Manufacturers are already offering consumers fat burners with Geranium and Ephedra, and according to the athletes themselves, these are the toughest and most effective products. This is understandable, our favorite ephedra, and even geranium - this is a real hell for fat!

Fat burner with Geranium is an incredibly powerful tool not only for cutting, but also for cool, fierce workouts! The addition of Ephedra to it makes this product simply incredibly bold and memorable. Suitable only for completely healthy people and NOT for beginners!

For those who are looking for a more feminine option, we recommend reading about fat burners for weight loss for women. If you are a guy and didn’t find what you were looking for, then you can look at other fat burners for weight loss for men!

Side effects of ephedrine[edit | edit code]

Side effects associated with oral ephedrine:[6]

• From the cardiovascular system: tachycardia, arrhythmia, angina pectoris, increased blood pressure
• Skin side effects: hot flashes, sweating, acne
• Gastrointestinal: appetite suppression, nausea
• Genitourinary system: difficulty urinating (very rare)
• Central nervous system: anxiety, insomnia, euphoria, aggressiveness
• Other side effects of ephedrine: dizziness, headache, tremor (shaking), hyperglycemia, dry mouth

Most of the unwanted reactions disappear 2-3 days after the start of the course.

Preventing ephedrine side effects[edit | edit code]

Many side effects can be prevented by following these guidelines:

• Ephedrine can overload the cardiovascular system, especially during initial use, but this adverse reaction can be prevented with the use of beta blockers. Take Metoprolol in a dose of 50-100 mg 1-2 times a day, this will normalize blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and eliminate chest discomfort. Metoprolol will protect your heart by blocking the effect of ephedrine on the myocardium. To determine the appropriate dose of beta blockers, check your pulse rate 2-3 hours after taking a dose of ephedrine and 50 mg of metoprolol. If the pulse is within 60-80 beats per minute at rest, then the dosage is sufficient. If the pulse is lower, reduce the dose of Metoprolol by half, if the pulse is higher, increase the dosage by 1.5-2 times.
• Drink enough liquid - at least 2.5 liters per day (total amount), otherwise dehydration occurs, which can lead to numerous complications. The drug suppresses thirst and increases fluid loss, so control the amount of water you drink.
• To prevent insomnia, do not take the drug in the afternoon.
• If other significant side effects occur, reduce the dose of ephedrine or discontinue it completely.
• Do not take this drug if you have any contraindications.
• For complete safety, taking ephedrine should be agreed with your doctor.

Contraindications to ephedrine[edit | edit code]

• Do not take ephedrine together with antidepressants (MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and some others).
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system (coronary artery disease, history of heart attack, arrhythmias, etc.)
• High blood pressure
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Prostate hypertrophy
• Pheochromocytoma
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Age less than 18 years (relative contraindication).
• If you have any medical conditions or are taking medications, you should consult your doctor before use.

Methods of administration and dosage

ECA is very popular. In addition, caffeine and aspirin can be purchased at any pharmacy or online store. The only problematic part of ECA is ephedrine, which is much more difficult to obtain. In some countries the substance remains illegal and cannot be found on the market. But the drug Bronkaid

, which is an asthma medicine, can be bought without a prescription. It contains 25 milligrams of ephedrine sulfate.

ECA has three main mechanisms of action that will lead to the ultimate goal - fat loss, increased metabolism, appetite suppression. A typical dose of ECA is:

• 24 mg ephedrine;
• 200 mg caffeine;
• 80 mg aspirin.

taken three times a day.

This will be the maximum

daily dosage.
However, the best way to take ECA
is to split your dose of ephedrine into three small doses of 8 mg, 100 mg of caffeine into two doses, and 80 mg of aspirin per day. After which you can slowly increase the dose until the recommended dose is reached. In the same way, you can make an eka fat burner with your own hands, taking the necessary doses of substances purchased separately at the pharmacy.

be careful

, any dietary supplements have not been tested, so preparing the drugs yourself will be extremely dangerous to health.

Moreover, ephedrine or ephedra extract will be difficult to obtain; without this, the fat burner will lose effectiveness. It is better to choose ready-made ECA complexes from famous brands.

Ready-made fat burners based on ECA mainly contain a non-narcotic substance. Manufacturers recommend using:

1. one tablet in the morning after meals;
2. if necessary, a second dose of ECA at lunch or before training, but no later than 7 hours before bedtime.

Preparations containing ephedrine[edit | edit code]

Broncholytin (125 ml bottle)
BRONCHOLYTIN is a cough syrup that has gained the greatest popularity because it is still available without a prescription in private pharmacies. One bottle of Bronholitin contains: ephedrine hydrochloride - 100 mg, glaucine hydrobromide - 125 mg, camphor basil oil 125 mg.

According to many athletes, Bronholitin is an ideal source of ephedrine. The average portion of broncholithin is 0.5-0.25 bottles (50-25 mg of ephedrine) and non-toxic accompanying components. Basil oil is completely safe, but gives broncholithin a nasty taste. Glaucine - a single dose can be 80 mg (2/3 of a bottle of Broncholitin), this is a non-toxic compound that has a sedative effect. In combination with ephedrine, glaucine eliminates many of its side effects: anxiety and restlessness are reduced, chest discomfort occurs less frequently, etc., at the same time, glaucine does not reduce the fat-burning effect of ephedrine.

However, there is also a significant drawback - sugar. 1 bottle of broncholitin contains 43 g of sugar (about 14 g in one serving of syrup). In fact, it’s only two teaspoons, which will not create a significant obstacle during drying and will quickly “burn out” during the training process.

Ephedra two-spikelet

Also common on the territory of the Russian Federation is the plant Ephedra double-spikelet, which contains alkaloids of the ephedrine group, constituting 1-2% by weight of the dry herb. Ephedrine makes up 30-90% of the total alkaloids.

On the territory of the Russian Federation it is found in zones of steppes and semi-deserts in the European part and in Western Siberia. Found locally, common in places. In the regions of the Central Black Earth economic region it is very rare.

Listed in the regional Red Books: Republics of Bashkortostan and Tatarstan, Belgorod, Kemerovo, Kurgan, Kursk, Lipetsk, Novosibirsk, Penza, Samara and Saratov regions

See also other drugs containing ephedrine.

Replacement of ephedrine[edit | edit code]

As you know, ephedrine is prohibited for free distribution and sale in Russia (with the exception of drugs with certificates and licenses). The drug containing ephedrine, broncholithin, contains quite a lot of sugar and has a bad taste, causing nausea and other unpleasant effects in some people. The most suitable alternative in terms of properties is DMAA

.
There are other substitutes for ephedrine - thyroxine
, the main thyroid hormone. Other alkaloids, such as caffeine, yohimbine, synephrine, and the levorotatory isomer of amphetamine (L-amphetamine)

Notes[edit | edit code]

1. Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 30, 1998 N 681 (as amended on April 1, 2016) “On approval of the list of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors subject to control in the Russian Federation”
2. List of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, the circulation of which in the Russian Federation is prohibited in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation and international treaties of the Russian Federation (list I).
3. (3) List of precursors, the circulation of which is limited in the Russian Federation and in respect of which control measures are established in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation and international treaties of the Russian Federation (List IV)
4. List of precursors, the circulation of which is limited in the Russian Federation and in respect of which control measures are established in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation and international treaties of the Russian Federation (List IV) Precursors, the circulation of which is limited in the Russian Federation and in respect of which special control measures are established
5. Guoyi Ma, et al. Pharmacological Effects of Ephedrine Alkaloids on Human {alpha}1- and {alpha}2-Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.; no. 322 pp. 214-221
6. Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary, 47th edition. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain; 2004.