The acute and chronic effects of ephedrine/caffeine mixtures on energy expenditure and glucose metabolism in humans

Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1993 Dec:17 Suppl 3:S73-7; discussion S82.

Abstract

This paper describes a 24-week open follow-up trial with reduced obese patients all receiving an ephedrine/caffeine combination (20 mg/200 mg) three times a day. The study was a continuation of a previous 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled study where the ephedrine/caffeine mixture had shown superior weight-reducing properties when compared with either ephedrine alone (20 mg) or caffeine alone (200 mg) three times a day. The medication was stopped between weeks 24-26 in order to evaluate withdrawal symptoms. The follow-up period was from weeks 26 to 50. Of 127 patients included, 99 completed the follow-up treatment, which resulted in an additional weight loss of 1.1 kg (P = 0.02). Adverse drug reactions were all minor and temporary. We conclude that the ephedrine/caffeine combination is safe and effective in long-term treatment in improving and maintaining weight loss. The side-effects are minor and transient and no clinically relevant withdrawal symptoms have been observed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Caffeine / administration & dosage
  • Caffeine / adverse effects
  • Caffeine / therapeutic use*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Ephedrine / administration & dosage
  • Ephedrine / adverse effects
  • Ephedrine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Caffeine
  • Ephedrine