The over-the-counter weight loss product Hydroxycut has been undergone a number of reformulations over time, each with a different profile of adverse effects if taken in excessive doses.
The changes in formulation over time underscores 2 important facts:
(1) historical accounts of a product's adverse effects may not be relevant to a current exposure
(2) it is important to review the list of ingredients when treating adverse effects of an over-the-counter product. Currently there are several products with "Hydroxycut" in the name that contain different ingredients.
Adverse effects of Hydroxycut containing ephedra (prior to 2004):
(1) myocardial ischemia
(2) stroke
Adverse effects of Hydroxycut containing green tea extract (from 2005 to 2009):
(1) acute liver injury (ascribed to catechins in green tea extracts)
(2) rhabdomyolysis
Adverse effects of Hydroxycut containing caffeine (after 2009):
(1) ventricular tachycardia
(2) exertional rhabdomyolysis
(3) hypokalemia
(4) other adverse effects of excessive caffeine
(5) acute liver injury (due to uncertain toxin)
Partial list of ingredients in various formulations after 2009:
(1) caffeine
(2) Lady's mantle extract (Alchemilla vulgaris)
(3) wild olive extract (Olea europaea)
(4) cumin extract (Cuminum cyminum)
(5) wild mint extract (Mentha longifolia)
(6) green coffee bean extract (Caffeacanephorarobusta)
(7) yohimbine extract (Coleus forskohliii)
