Ephedrine: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Products

Ephedrine is commercially available in many countries in the form of injectable solutions, in combination cold remedies, and in veterinary medicines.

Structure and properties

Ephedrine (C₁₀H₁₅NO, M_r = 165.2 g/mol) is commonly present in drugs as ephedrine hydrochloride, a white crystalline powder or colorless crystals that are readily soluble in water. Other salts are also common, such as ephedrine sulfate. Ephedrine is a natural substance which can be obtained from -species (Ma Huang). It was first isolated in 1887 by Nagajosi Nagai in Tokyo.

Effects

Ephedrine (ATC R03CA02) has direct and indirect sympathomimetic properties. Effects are based on stimulation of alpha and beta receptors. Effects include:

Dilation of the bronchi
Decrease in appetite
Constriction and dilation of the vessels
Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
Central stimulation

Half-life ranges from three to six hours.

Indications

In cold remedies to treat colds, improve respiration and reduce swelling of mucous membranes.
In the treatment of hypotension.
For the treatment of bronchospasm (eg, asthma, anaphylaxis).

Dosage

According to the professional information.

Abuse

Ephedrine can be abused as a stimulant, a party drug, a doping agent, and as a precursor chemical for the synthesis of illicit narcotics (methamphetamine), among other uses. Therefore, caution is advised when dispensing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity
Hypovolemia as monotherapy
Hyperthyroidism
Thyrotoxicosis
Patients with certain cardiovascular diseases.
Severe arteriosclerosis
Narrow-angle glaucoma

Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Interactions

Ephedrine has a high potential for interaction. Drug-drug interactions are possible, for example, with other sympathomimetics, MAO inhibitors, and beta-blockers.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include psychiatric disturbances (high doses), central effects such as nervousness, feelings of tension, irritability, agitation, and insomnia, headache, nausea, and vomiting.