Can You Take Ephedra and Magnesium Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Ephedra (Ma Huang) is a sympathomimetic that raises blood pressure while magnesium is a vasodilator that lowers it. The opposing effects may partially cancel each other.

How to arrange timing

Ephedra's pressor effects are potent and may overwhelm magnesium's vasodilatory benefit. Monitor blood pressure closely.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Haller CA, Benowitz NL. Adverse cardiovascular events associated with dietary supplements containing ephedra alkaloids. N Engl J Med. 2000;343(25):1833-1838

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.