Public Policy Center

The Ephedra Industry Wants A National Standard To Ensure The Safe Use Of Ephedra Products

National Standard

The following is the proposed national standard for Ephedra use put forward by the industry:

1. No more than 25 mg of ephedrine alkaloids per product serving (the total of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norpseudoephedrine, norephedrine, methyl ephedrine, methyl pseudoephedrine and related alkaloids).
2. No more than 100 mg of ephedrine alkaloids per day.
3. Product label should list the amount of ephedrine alkaloids per serving.
4. Product label should list the amount of caffeine per serving.
5. At a minimum, the following or comparable language on the product label should be included: "Not for use by anyone under the age of 18. Do not use this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult a health care professional before using this product if you have heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, psychiatric condition, difficulty in urinating due to prostate enlargement, or seizure disorder, if you are using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or any other prescription drug, or if you are using an over-the-counter drug containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine (ingredients found in certain allergy, asthma, cough/cold and weight control products). Exceeding recommended serving will not improve results and may cause serious adverse health effects. Discontinue use and call a health care professional immediately if you experience rapid heartbeat, dizziness, severe headache, shortness of breath, or other similar symptoms."
6. No claims that the product may be useful to achieve an altered state of consciousness, euphoria, or as a "legal" alternative for an illicit drug.
7. No marketing or sale to minors.

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