Ephedrine

Generic name: ephedrine capsules and tablets
Drug classes: Decongestants, Vasopressors

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is ephedrine?

Ephedrine is used to treat low blood pressure. Ephedrine may be given to you for other reasons.

Description

Ephedrine Sulfate Injection, USP is a sterile solution of 50 mg ephedrine sulfate in water for injection.

Ephedrine occurs as fine, white, odorless crystals or powder and darkens on exposure to light. It is freely soluble in water and sparingly soluble in alcohol.

The chemical name for ephedrine sulfate is (C₁₀H₁₅NO)₂•H₂SO₄ benzenemethanol α – [1 – (methylamino) ethyl] – sulfate (2:1) (salt). Its molecular weight is 428.54.

The structural formula is:

Before taking ephedrine, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to ephedrine; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you are taking certain drugs used for depression like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, or drugs used for Parkinson’s disease like selegiline or rasagiline.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with ephedrine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take ephedrine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take ephedrine?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take ephedrine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
Very high blood pressure after delivering a baby has happened in some women who got ephedrine with some other drugs like ergonovine and methylergonovine. Some people had a stroke. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using ephedrine while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is ephedrine best taken?

Use ephedrine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

It is given as a shot into a vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of ephedrine that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
Slow heartbeat.
A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Very nervous and excitable.
Trouble passing urine.

What are some other side effects of ephedrine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Dizziness.
Feeling nervous and excitable.
Not able to sleep.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Not hungry.
Restlessness.
Headache.
Sweating a lot.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out ephedrine?

If you need to store ephedrine at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

SRC: NLM .

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