Heart Disease 8. It is used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold and hay fever . Ephedra is the plant from which ephedrine was originally isolated. To prevent potentially serious interactions, people taking Cardec DM 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. Consequently, people who are taking Cardec DM should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, especially when staying alert is necessary. Food Foods that acidify the urine may increase the elimination of ephedrine from the body, potentially reducing the action of the drug. 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.