Pharmacotherapy
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Electrocardiographic effects of an Ephedra-Free, multicomponent weight-loss supplement in healthy volunteers.
Metabolife 356, an ephedra-containing weight-loss product, substantially increases the corrected QT (QTc) interval. Metabolife Ephedra Free, a similar supplement, contains caffeine and extracts of green tea, garcinia cambogia, and yerba mate. Its electrocardiographic (ECG) effects are not known. Therefore, we sought to determine the effect of this supplement on the QTc interval. ⋯ At half the recommended single dose, Metabolife Ephedra Free does not affect the QTc interval or other ECG variables over 5 hours. Dose-response studies and studies of longer duration should be conducted.