Ephedrine

ephedrine hydrochloride

Ephedrine is mainly used for treating cold, flu, hay fever, allergy, and also used for temporarily relieving shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing due to bronchial asthma.

Ephedrine is a decongestant and bronchodilator, which works by reducing the swelling and constricting the blood vessels in the nasal pathway, which helps in widening the airway for comfortable breathing.

It is wise to discontinue using Ephedrine:

• If you are allergic to one or more ingredients of the drug.
• If you are taking furazolidone or any mono amine oxidase inhibitor like phenelzine since last two weeks.
• If you suffer from high blood pressure or any blood vessel disease.
• If you suffer from rapid heart rate.
• If you have chronic heart problems.

Some of your health condition might interfere with the drug efficacy. Hence, it is wise to inform the doctor if you have one or many of the below mentioned case.

• If you are expecting or planning for pregnancy
• If you are breast feeding
• If you take any counter or alternative medication
• If you suffer from food, drug or other chemical allergy

If you have a history of:

• Heart problems
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Enlarged prostate or other prostate problems
• Adrenal gland problems
• High blood pressure
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Blood vessel problems
• Overactive thyroid
• Severe asthma

Some of the drugs that interact with Ephedrine include:

• Rauwolfia derivatives like reserpine as the drug efficacy may be reduced
• Beta-blockers like propranolol
• Cocaine
• Furazolidone
• Indomethacin
• Methyldopa
• MAO inhibitors like phenelzine
• Oxytocic medicines like oxytocin
• Rauwolfia derivatives like reserpine
• Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline as the drug side effects may be increased
• Bromocriptine
• Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors like entacapone
• Digoxin
• Droxidopa as the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
• Guanadrel
• Guanethidine
• Mecamylamine
• Methyldopa
• Reserpine as the effectiveness may be decreased by Ephedrine

Ephedrine should be used exactly as directed by the physician. Ephedrine can be taken with or without food and can even be administered along with foods in case of stomach irritations. For additional dosage information, refer to the leaflet that comes along with the drug.

In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.

• Ephedrine can cause dizziness, hence it is advisable to drive or do any other heavy works during the drug course.
• Ephedrine also should not be used with certain medications and alcohol as it reduces the drug availability to the blood stream.
• If the symptoms do not improve within a week, it is wise to contact the doctor. Avoid appetite or diet control pills along with the drug.
• Ephedrine affects the blood sugar level; hence, diabetic patients should be very cautious and check for blood sugar level often to track body changes.
• Ephedrine should be used cautiously in elder patients as they are too sensitive to drug side effects.
• Ephedrine also should be used with care in children as the drug safety in these age groups is yet to be studied.
• It not known whether the drug affects the fetus. However, it is wise to consult doctor regarding the drug administration when you are pregnant. The presence of Ephedrine in breast milk is not studied, however, it is recommended that you consult physician before taking Ephedrine.

Some of the side effects of Ephedrine include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Nervous feeling
• Restlessness
• Sleeplessness
• Irritation of Stomach

Minor Side Effects:

• Skin allergic reactions like rashes, hives
• Trouble breathing
• Chest tightness
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Trouble urinating.

In case of drug overdose contact your nearest emergency care center.

Ephedrine is stored at temperatures between 20 to 25 degree Celsius. Storage temperature between 15 to 30 degree Celsius is also broadly accepted. The drug should be stored away from direct heat, sunlight and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

If you still have any doubts regarding the drug administration or drug usage, it is wise to contact your physician for clearing your doubts. In case your symptoms do not wane in days, it is wise to consult doctor for drug discontinuation or altering the drug dosage amount.