Ephedrine

Ephedrine is a drug used in the treatment of allergic disorders, such as bronchial asthma. It is also used as a pressor agent during spinal anesthesia, as a central nervous system stimulant in narcolepsy and depressive states, and is also used in Stokes-Adams syndrome with complete heart block.

This drug is available as an injection and in oral preparations.

Instructions

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The oral form should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole. The injectable form is usually given by a health care professional.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions

Ephedrine may interact with medications such as:

• Alpha blockers such as prazosin or terazosin
• Digoxin
• Drugs for diabetes
• Drugs for seizures such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
• Dexamethasone
• Ergot medications such as ergotamine or bromocriptine
• Ginseng
• MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline and tranylcypromine
• Medication for blood pressure such as clonidine, guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine, beta blockers such as propranolol and metoprolol
• Epinephrine, norepinephrine, pseudoephedrine and similar drugs
• Caffeine and stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate
• Acetazolamide, citrates, sodium bicarbonate and other drugs that change urine acidity
• Dofetilide
• Pimozide
• Procainamide
• Amiodarone
• Quinidine
• Sotalol
• Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin
• Isoniazid
• Phenothiazinessuch as thioridazine
• Theophylline
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline

Side Effects

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to ephredine
• Medical and family history of heart problems
• Asthma
• Stroke
• Pheochromocytoma
• Anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
• Circulation problems
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Essential tremors
• Kidney disease
• Seizures
• Hyperthyroidism
• Narrow angle glaucoma
• Prostate problems
• Pregnancy or lactation