Ephedrine

Overview

Ephedrine is a plant alkaloid. Ephedrine is now made synthetically. Ephedrine is a mixed action adrenergic agent. It occurs in various plants and has been used in china for over 2000 years. It was introduced in western medicine approximately 70 years ago as the first orally active sympathomimetics drug. Because Ephedrine is a noncatechol phenylisopropylamine. It has high bilavailibilty and long duration of action. Clinically Ephedrine is utilized when a prolonged duration of action is desired, particularly after oral administration. The main applications are as a nasal decongestant and as a pressor agent.

Categories

Primary Characterstics

Indications

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Pharmacokinetics

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Contraindications

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Drug Interactions

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Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Ephedrine, which give rise to further complications include Psychosis, Cardiopathy.

Ephedrine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Acute cardiovascular stimulation, Central Stimulation. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Ephedrine therapy.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Ephedrine include Nausea, Vomiting, Tachycardia, Convulsions, Coma, Respiratory depression, Fever, Palpitations, Respiratory depression, Hypertension, Paranoid psychosis, Respiratory depression.

The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Ephedrine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Anxiety, Restlessness, Tachycardia, Tremors, Insomnia, Nasal congestion, Local irritation.

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Dosage

Ephedrine's dosage details are as follows:
Dose Single Dose Frequency Route Instructions

Adult Dosage

25 to 50 mg38 (37.5)As recommended.IM,SC
25 to 50 mg38 (37.5)As recommended.IM,SC,Slow IV
5 to 25 mg15 (15)As recommended.IVRepeated 5 to 10 minutes
0.5 to 1 %0.75 (0.75)As recommended.Nasal dropsfor the treatment of nasal congestion.
25 to 50 mg38 (37.5)4 hourlyPO

Paedriatic Dosage (20kg)

0.5 to 1 %0.75 (0.75)As recommended.NasalAs Required
1.5 mg/kg1.5 (1.5)8 hourlyOral-

Neonatal Dosage (3kg)

0.5 to 1 %0.75 (0.75)As recommended.NasalAs required
0.93 mg/kg0.93 (0.93)8 hourlyOral

High Risk Groups

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Warning / Precautions

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Storage Conditions

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Interference in Pathology

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Brands / Trade Names of Ephedrine

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