People's Pharmacy

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Ma Huang

Posting Date: 05/20/2002

Restlessness, vomiting, and difficult urination are additional side effects. Skin reactions indicating sensitivity have been reported.

At high doses, the rise in blood pressure can be alarming. Heart rhythm disturbances may occur, and toxic psychosis is considered possible.

After several deaths were linked to overuse or abuse of ma huang, the FDA restricted its availability.

Possible Interactions

Excess nervous stimulation may occur if ma huang is taken together with caffeine (including guarana, coffee, or tea) or theophylline. Such a combination is also likely to provoke cardiovascular reactions.

Ma huang must not be combined with MAO inhibitors such as Nardil or Parnate. This interaction could send blood pressure dangerously high. Allow at least two weeks to elapse after stopping an MAO inhibitor before taking ma huang.

Ma huang is incompatible with cardiac glycosides such as Lanoxin and with the anesthetic halothane. Serious disruption of heart rhythm may occur.

Ma huang must not be combined with ergot or its derivative ergotamine, or blood pressure could become very elevated.