What Is Ephedrine?

 Ephedrine Overview

Ephedrine is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat bronchodilation, nasal congestion, orthostatic hypotension, and myasthenia gravis. Ephedrine is also used to treat narcolepsy, menstrual disorders (dysmenorrhea), and bladder control issues. Ephedrine is available in a generic form.

What Are the Side Effects of Ephedrine?

Common adverse effects of Ephedrine usually occur at larger doses and include:

Symptoms may include nervousness, anxiety, dizziness, vertigo, headache, nausea, lack of appetite, sleeplessness, high heart rate, palpitations, perspiration, vomiting, weight loss, and difficult or painful urination.

Ephedrine dosage

The dosage of Ephedrine is determined by the patient's medical condition and reaction to therapy. For prescription Ephedrine, do not exceed 150 mg per day in adults or 75 mg per day in children.

Which drugs, substances, or supplements interact with ephedrine?

Ephedrine may interact with other adrenaline-like pharmaceuticals, MAO inhibitors, beta-blockers, blood pressure medications, tricyclic antidepressants, diuretics (water pills), digoxin, atropine, theophylline, oxytocin, or St John's Wort. Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking.

Ephedrine During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Ephedrine should only be used as prescribed during pregnancy. It is unclear whether this medication goes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not suggested while taking this medication because of the potential harm to the infant.

Additional Information

Our Ephedrine negative Effects Drug Centre offers a complete overview of existing drug information on the potential negative effects of taking this medication.