Tag: Lobeline

Lobelia is a potent herb with a narrow therapeutic window. Understanding **what are the side effects of lobelia drops?** is crucial due to the plant's inherent toxicity.

Despite historical use as an herbal remedy and a former ingredient in over-the-counter smoking aids, a 2012 Cochrane review confirmed there is no long-term evidence that lobeline is effective for smoking cessation. This shift from traditional belief to evidence-based understanding raises a critical question for many: What is the drug lobeline used for in modern pharmacology, and what are its significant safety implications?

While historically marketed for smoking cessation, the FDA banned over-the-counter sales of lobeline hydrochloride-containing products in 1993 due to a lack of sufficient evidence supporting their effectiveness for this purpose. This natural alkaloid, derived from the *Lobelia inflata* plant, has a complex history and mechanism of action that continues to be of research interest.