Evidence supporting the use of: Ephedrine
For the health condition: Cough (dry)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ephedrine has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where the herb Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang), which contains ephedrine as a major active compound, is used to treat respiratory conditions including cough, asthma, and bronchitis. The traditional rationale is based on ephedrine’s bronchodilator and mild stimulant properties, which can help to relieve airway constriction and promote the expectoration of phlegm. While dry cough specifically is not always the primary indication, Ma Huang is often included in formulations for cough and cold symptoms, especially when there is associated wheezing or difficulty breathing.

From a scientific perspective, ephedrine is known to stimulate adrenergic receptors, leading to bronchodilation and decreased airway resistance, which could potentially alleviate cough associated with airway constriction. However, there is limited direct clinical evidence supporting the use of ephedrine for dry cough alone. Most modern clinical guidelines do not recommend ephedrine for cough due to concerns about safety and side effects, such as increased heart rate, hypertension, and central nervous system stimulation. Thus, its use for cough is primarily supported by traditional use and some pharmacological rationale, but lacks robust clinical validation.

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Products containing Ephedrine

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