Ephedrine : All You Need To Know
Ephedrine is a stimulant drug used to prevent low blood pressure during spinal anesthesia. It is not recommended for treating asthma, narcolepsy, or obesity. Its benefits for nasal congestion are uncertain.
Ephedrine Uses
Ephedrine is prescribed to relieve low blood pressure during anesthesia. It can be used alone or with other medications and belongs to the class of Alpha/Beta-Adrenergic Agonists. Its safety in children is not established.
Ephedrine Side Effects
Typical side effects of ephedrine include:
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Get A Second OpinionDosage Guidelines for Ephedrine
Adults: 25 to 50 mg subcutaneously or intramuscularly. 5 to 25 mg intravenously can be administered slowly, repeated if necessary within 5 to 10 minutes.
Children: 0.5 mg per kg body weight subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
How to Take Ephedrine
Take ephedrine as directed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
Medication Interactions
Ephedrine can interact with general anesthetics, other adrenergic blockers, and certain hypertensive medications, potentially causing severe side effects. Consult your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Precautions While Taking Ephedrine
- Use caution if you have heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or hypertension.
- Prolonged use may cause anxiety-like symptoms.
- It is not clear if ephedrine is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Overdose and Treatment
Overdose symptoms include convulsions, nausea, tachycardia, and respiratory failure. Treatment involves maintaining blood pressure and using antidotes like phentolamine mesylate for hypertension.
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Book an AppointmentContraindications
Do not use ephedrine if you:
- Are allergic to it.
- Have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.
- Are taking MAO inhibitors.
- Have been hospitalized for asthma.
Important Information
- Ephedrine can cause dizziness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Consult your doctor if symptoms do not improve within 7 days.
- Diabetic patients should monitor blood sugar levels closely.
Storage
Store ephedrine at room temperature (59°F to 77°F) away from light, moisture, and out of reach of children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Ephedrine used for?
Ephedrine is a prescription drug used during anesthesia to relieve the effects of low blood pressure (Hypotension). Ephedrine can be used with other drugs or alone.
2. What does Ephedrine do to the body?
Ephedrine can improve heart rate, contractility, cardiac performance, and peripheral resistance due to its direct sympathomimetic effects. Increases in both heart rate and blood pressure are also normal findings after the ingestion of ephedrine.
3. How much Ephedrine can you take?
The doses of ephedrine used in a study differ, with low intakes of less than 20 mg per day, moderate intakes of 40-90 mg per day, and large doses of 100-150 mg per day.
4. What are the long term effects of Ephedrine?
High blood pressure, heart attacks, muscle disorders, seizures, strokes, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, and death are related to ephedra use. If ephedra is used in high doses or in the long term, these side effects may be more likely.
5. Does Ephedrine damage your heart?
A quickened heartbeat and elevated blood pressure can cause Ephedra. Side effects include heart palpitations, vomiting, and nausea. More than 800 harmful reactions have been documented when the herb is used. These include heart attacks, strokes, sudden deaths, and seizures.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.
