The purpose is to make it legal to sell in many states, mine forbids sale of straight ephedrine products due to their ease of conversion to meth. As far as I know the added expectorant, Guaifeniesin, doesn't pose any danger.
Take it with some food too so your stomach isn't irritated. You shouldn't have a problem unless you take a shitload, but you shouldn't need to take a lot because it's some strong shit.