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Published on: April 5, 2011
[Case of intractable ventricula fibrillation by a multicomponent dietary supplement containing ephedra and caffeine
Satoru Takeuchi1, Masato Homma, Junichi Inoue
1Department of Emergency Medicine, National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center.
Abstract:
Multicomponent dietary supplement containing ephedra and caffeine (DSEC) was widely used for weight loss and energy enhancement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of DSEC in 2004 because of side effects such as cardiotoxity. We report a rare case of intractable ventricular fibrillation, requiring frequent defibrillation, by DSEC overdose. The direct cardiotoxity of ephedra, synergistic effect of caffeine and ephedra, and hypokalemia may cause refractory ventricular arrhythmia.
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