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Ephedrine is the active ingredient in ephedra/ma huang. It belongs to a class of medications called sympathomimetics. It works like a naturally occurring substance (adrenaline) that your body makes when it thinks it is in danger. It is a central nervous system stimulant that increases your heart rate/blood pressure, narrows your blood vessels (vasoconstriction), and opens up the lungs (bronchodilation).
Ephedrine is an adrenergic drug which exerts peripheral effects resembling those of epinephrine and central effects resembling those of the amphetamines. Ephedrine produces a more sustained action but is less potent than epinephrine. It stimulates both alpha and beta receptors and its peripheral actions are due partly to norepinephrine release and partly to direct effects on receptors.
Ephedrine dosage and administration
Take this medication by mouth usually every 4 hours as needed. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For prescription ephedrine, do not exceed 150 mg per day in adults or 75 mg per day in children.
Therapeutic response and sensitivity to the adverse effects of Ephedrine vary widely in patients. Doses of 15 to 60mg are usually given three times daily. The upper dose limit is usually set by central nervous system effects. Because of its central stimulant effects, Ephedrine should not usually be given after 4pm. Tolerance to the effects of Ephedrine may develop on long-term usage.
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