Nonprescription ephedrine nose drops and spray are used to relieve nasal congestion due to the flu or hay fever . Pseudoephedrine is a nonprescription drug taken by mouth to relieve nasal congestion due to the flu or hay fever. Ephedra is the plant from which ephedrine was originally isolated. To prevent potentially serious interactions, people taking ephedrine or pseudoephedrine should avoid using ephedra-containing drug products and should read product labels carefully for ma huang or ephedra content. Native North American ephedra, sometimes called Mormon tea, contains no ephedrine.
Tannins are a group of unrelated chemicals that give plants an astringent taste.
Herbs containing high amounts of tannins may interfere with the absorption of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine taken by mouth. Foods that alkalinize the urine may slow the elimination of ephedrine from the body, potentially increasing the actions and side effects of the drug. Brinker F. Interactions of pharmaceutical and botanical medicines. Inc. All rights reserved. Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here.