Ephedra - Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Interaction
Herbal: Ephedra
Also Known As: Ephedra distachya, Belcho, Cao Mahuang, Desert Herb, Ephedra Sinisa, Herbal Ecstasy, Indian Jointfir, Joint Fir, Ma Huang, Popotillo, Raisin de Mer, Sea Grape, Teamster's Tea, Yellow Astringent, Yellow Horse, Zhong Mahuang
Drug: Pembrolizumab
Brand names:
Keytruda
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Pembrolizumab and Ephedra. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Ephedra Overview
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is a plant species in the family Ephedraceae, which is native to Asia and parts of North America. It has been used traditionally in herbal medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including respiratory problems, allergies, and obesity.
Ephedra contains a number of active compounds, including ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are stimulants that affect the central nervous system. The stimulant compounds in ephedra compounds have been used in a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications, including decongestants and weight loss supplements.
While ephedra and related stimulant compounds are still available in a number of over-the-counter medications, such as the inhaler Primatene Mist, and Bronkaid Caplets, it is banned for use in dietary supplements.
Ephedra was once an extremely popular ingredient in dietary supplements for weight loss, but it was linked to a number of serious adverse effects, including increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, stroke, and even death. As a result, the use of ephedra and ephedra-containing products were banned or restricted in many countries.
Pembrolizumab Overview
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Pembrolizumab injection is used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of melanoma (a type of skin cancer), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC; a type of skin cancer), and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC; skin cancer). It is also used to prevent the return of melanoma after surgery. Pembrolizumab injection is also used alone and/or in combination with other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of lung cancer (non-small-cell lung cancer; NSCLC), head and neck cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease), primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL; non-Hodgkin lymphoma), urothelial cancer (cancer of the lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract), bladder cancer, colorectal cancer (cancer that begins in the large intestine), gastric cancer (cancer of the stomach), esophageal cancer (cancer of the tube that connects your throat to your stomach), cervical cancer (cancer that begins in the opening of the uterus [womb]), cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer), renal cell carcinoma (RCC, a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys), breast cancer, and certain other solid tumors. Pembrolizumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping your immune system to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
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Your doctor will review your specific type of cancer and past treatment history and other available treatments to determine if pembrolizumab is right for you.
Ephedra - More Interactions
Ephedra interacts with 801 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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