Ephedrine : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Ephedrine is a adrenergic agonist (mixed acting), used as Pressor agent & for temporary relief of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing due to bronchial asthma. Ephedrine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Dose : 15-60 mg
Route : Oral, IM, IV, SC
Plasma half-life : 3–6 hours
Duration of action : 4-6 hours (Mouth), IV or IM (60min)
Bioavailability : 85%
Chemical formula : C10H15NO
IUPAC name : rel-(R,S)-2-(methylamino)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol
Trade name : EphedrineHCl, Sulfidrin, Bronkaid, Primatene
Therapeutic uses : Ephedrine has following usage:
- Used to raise blood pressure i.e to treat hypotension during spinal anaesthesia; occasionally for postural hypotension.
- Used as a bronchodilator to treat mild chronic bronchial asthma.
Note:- The clinical use of ephedrine is declining because of the availability of better, more potent agents that cause fewer adverse effects.
Side effects : Adverse effects of Ephedrine are as follows:
- Tachycardia,
- Hypertension,
- Insomnia,
- Tachyphylaxis,
- Anxiety,
- Arrhythmia.
Contraindications :
- It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines and in patients with angle closure glaucoma.
- It should not be used in patients anesthetized with agents such as cyclopropane or halothane as these agents may sensitize the heart to the arrhythmic action of sympathomimetic drugs.
- It should not ordinarily be used in those cases where vasopressor drugs may be contraindicated, e.g., in thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, in obstetrics when maternal blood pressure is in excess of 130/80 and in hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
