Ephedra Dosage

Ephedra has been relegated to the controlled substance category by the FDA. Medicines containing ephedra or its derivatives, ephedrine or psuedoephedrine, are legally sold at doses lower than 8 mg. Over the 8 mg. rule, sale of supplements or medications with ephedra becomes a legal offense.

Currently, ephedra is allowed to be present in cough, cold and fever formulations. But medicines containing ephedra can only be used for the short-term.

The Advised Dosage

The FDA advises individuals to take not more than 24 mg. per day, each dose not to exceed 8 mg. per dose. Preparations with ephedrine should also not be taken for more than 7 consecutive days. This advisory of course assumes that that ephedrine here is for conditions such as edema, cold, fever, headaches and other minor issues.

This advice does not encompass ephedra in weight loss supplements in which it has been banned. So, there is no recommended dosage for weight loss supplements containing ephedra as this ingredient should not be present in the first place. In other words, zero ephedra dosage for dieters because dieters should avoid this ingredient altogether. Side effects aren’t encountered only by those who have abused the substance by taking ephedra-based supplements over a long period of time or in high dosages. Bear in mind that there have been reports of serious side effects developing in people who have been taking low dosages of ephedra-based supplements, as well.

Another reason to heed the FDA ban and avoid ephedra is that ephedra does not interact well with other substances or drugs. A number of prescription drugs or ingredients in supplements may promote adverse reactions or enhance those of ephedra’s. It is best to turn away from any weight loss supplement containing ephedra.

An Alternative To Ephedra

Some over-the-counter (OTC) supplements have new formulas that offer the same, if not, better appetite suppressing powers as prescription weight loss drugs. One good example of such a supplement is Phentramin-D.

Phentramin-D boasts two active ingredients: trimethylxanthine and dimethylpentylamine hydrochloride. Although these seem like a scary mouthful, they are actually synthesized from natural ingredients.

Dimethylpentylamine is synthesized in a lab but it comes from geranium flowers. It has the amphetamine-like property of suppressing appetite but without many side effects. Trimethylxanthine is actually a fancy name for caffeine. Caffeine has proven to be so effective as a metabolic catalyst.

Although these primary ingredients are synthesized in a lab, do not make the mistake of assuming that anything coming out of a laboratory is unsafe and healthy. Ephedra is a natural ingredient (it is an herb); but it is dangerous to your health. The above ingredients have been tested to be not only safe but very effective in weight management as well. Learn more about Phentramin-D from this site, WeightComment.com.