Ephedrine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Ephedrine?

What is ephedrine used for?

Ephedrine drugs are generally used to treat several diseases, namely:

1. Asthma, rhinitis, and other respiratory disorders

In this case, ephedrine acts as a decongestant, that is, it can dilate blocked airways. As a decongestant, ephedrine will usually be mixed with other active ingredients, such as hydrochloride to become ephedrine Hcl.

2. Overcoming low blood pressure (hypotension)

This medicine is used to increase blood pressure which usually tends to fall when the patient is given an anesthetic (anesthetics). This drug works in a way

Another function of ephedrine drugs is to treat symptoms of narcolepsy, depression, myasthenia gravis, and Adams-Stokes Syndrome. This drug works in a number of ways, from being a stimulant to a vasoconstrictor, which is to dilate blood vessels.

How is ephedrine used?

There are several things you should do while using this drug, including:

• If your doctor prescribes ephedrine, use it as prescribed by your doctor or follow the instructions on the package.
• You can take this medication on an empty stomach or if you have filled food. However, if your stomach hurts, it's best to fill your stomach first with food to reduce irritation to the stomach.
• If there is something you do not understand from the doctor's instructions or from the instructions for using the medicine that is in the package, ask your doctor.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose, and do not use this product for more than 7 consecutive days unless directed by your doctor.
• When used for a long time, ephedrine may not work very well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

How is ephedrine stored?

Ephedrine is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your product.

Ephedrine Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of ephedrine for adults?

Adult dosage for Adams-Stokes Syndrome

• Oral: Initial dose 25-50 mg orally every 3-4 hours. Maximum dose: 150 mg per day in divided doses.
• IM: 25-50 milligrams (mg)
• IV: 5-25 mg IV given slowly, and may be given again in 5-10 minutes if needed.

Adult dosage for acute asthma

• IM: 25-50 mg
• IV: 5-25 mg IV given slowly, and may be given again in 5-10 minutes if needed.

Adult dosage for nasal congestion

Nasal drops: drop 1-2 drops per nostril 4 times a day as needed

Adult dosage for narcolepsy

• IM: 25-50 mg
• IV: 5-25 mg IV given slowly, and may be given again in 5-10 minutes if needed.

Adult dosage for hypotension

• IM: 25-50 mg
• IV: 5-25 mg IV given slowly, and may be given again in 5-10 minutes if needed.

Adult dosage for acute bronchospasm

• Oral: 15-60 mg three times a day. The maximum dose is 150 mg per day.

Adult dosage for depression

• IM: 25-50 mg
• IV: 5-25 mg IV given slowly, and may be given again in 5-10 minutes if needed.

Adult dosage for myasthenia gravis (chronic autoimmune disease)

• IM: 25-50 mg
• IV: 5-25 mg IV given slowly, and may be given again in 5-10 minutes if needed.

What is the dose of ephedrine for children?

Child dosage for Adams-Stokes Syndrome

• IM: 0.5 milligram (mg) / kilogram (kg) or 16.7 milligram (mg) / m2 from body surface IM every 4-6 hours

Children's dosage for acute asthma

• Oral: For children 12 years of age and over the dose is 12.5-25 mg orally every 4 hours. The maximum dose is 150 mg per day.
• IM: 0.5 milligram (mg) / kilogram (kg) or 16.7 milligram (mg) / m2 from body surface IM every 4-6 hours

Children's dosage for nasal congestion

• Nasal drops: for children 12 years and over, the dose is 1-2 drops per nostril 4 times a day as needed.

Children's dosage for hypotension

• IM: 0.5 milligram (mg) / kilogram (kg) or 16.7 milligram (mg) / m2 from body surface IM every 4-6 hours

Children's dosage for acute bronchospasm

The use of oral Epherine HCl:

• For children 1-5 years: 15 mg three times a day
• For children 6-12 years: 30 mg three times a day
• For children 12 years and over: 15-60 mg three times daily

Children's dosage for depression

• IM: 0.5 milligram (mg) / kilogram (kg) or 16.7 milligram (mg) / m2 from body surface IM every 4-6 hours

Children's dosage for myasthenia gravis (chronic autoimmune disease)

• IM: 0.5 milligram (mg) / kilogram (kg) or 16.7 milligram (mg) / m2 from body surface IM every 4-6 hours

In what dosage is ephedrine available?

Capsule, Oral, as sulfate: 25 mg

Solution, Injection, such as sulfate: 50 mg / mL (1 mL)

Ephedrine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to ephedrine?

Just like drugs in general, ephedrine also has side effects of using drugs. Possible side effects are:

• the eye becomes blurry
• the head feels dizzy and heavy
• erratic heartbeat, sometimes too fast
• panic
• ears felt like they were buzzing
• stomach irritation
• tremor
• loss of appetite
• the body can't rest
• sleep disorders

Be aware that before prescribing this medication, your doctor has weighed the benefits and risks of using the drug based on your health condition. This drug is considered to be the best medicine that can help with your problem. Your doctor has also determined the right dosage and is suitable for you.

Not everyone experiences the side effects that have been mentioned. There may be some side effects not listed above but that you are experiencing. If you have concerns about certain side effects after using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Ephedrine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using ephedrine?

Before using ephedrine, there are a number of things you should know and do first, namely:

• Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to ephedrine or other medicines.
• Tell the doctor all the medicines you are currently using, whether prescription, non-prescription, vitamins, to herbal medicines.
• Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to food, preservatives, or food coloring agents
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of diseases especially diabetes, glaucoma, prostate enlargement or prostate-related disease, adrenal gland problems, high blood pressure, seizures, stroke, asthma, or hyperthyroidism.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may interact with ephedrine, one of which is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (for example, phenelzine).
• Tell your doctor whether you are taking the drug now or have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.
• If you don't know whether your prescription medication contains an MAO inhibitor, ask your doctor before deciding to take this drug.
• Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than directed. Discontinue use if recommended.
• If you are taking this medication for breathing problems and your condition does not improve within an hour or it gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, call your doctor right away.
• If you have a cough and frequent relapses or it has lasted more than seven days, or if you have a fever, rash, or severe headache, call your doctor right away. These could be signs of a serious medical condition.
• If you are unsure about any information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you have sleep problems such as insomnia or other sleep disorders, ask your doctor when is the right time to use this medication.
• Do not take this medication at the same time as diet pills.
• Use this drug more carefully in the elderly and in children.
• Do not engage in activities that require high concentration such as driving a car or operating machinery as this drug can cause drowsiness and so you may not be able to fully concentrate.

Is ephedrine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Ephedrine can pass from breast milk, so if you are breastfeeding, your baby may be able to take this drug through breast milk. You should avoid using this drug while you are breastfeeding, or ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of this drug in breastfeeding mothers. Only use ephedrine if the benefits outweigh the risks of using it.

Ephedrine Drug Interactions

What other medicines may interact with ephedrine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Several drugs can interact with ephedrine. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, especially any of the following:

• Beta-blockers (for example, propranolol)
• cocaine
• indomethacin
• methyldopa
• MAO inhibitors (for example, phenelzine)
• linezolid
• oxytocic drugs (eg oxytocin)
• rauwolfia derivatives (for example, reserpine)
• tricyclic antidepressants (for example, amitriptyline)
• ergot alkaloids (eg dihydroergotamine)

If an interaction occurs between ephedrine and the drugs mentioned above, the risk of side effects from using the drug will be greater.

This may not be a complete list of all possible interactions. Ask your doctor if ephedrine can interact with other medicines you take. Consult your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medication.

Can food or alcohol interact with efederin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with ephedrine?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems:

• cardiovascular disease
• diabetes
• enlarged prostate

Ephedrine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Symptoms of an overdose that may occur as a result of using this drug in high doses are:

• heart attack
• seizures
• stroke

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if the time you are about to take the missed dose is close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule.

Do not double your dose, because a higher dose does not guarantee that you will get well sooner. In addition, multiple doses may increase the risk of side effects from using the drug.

If you are taking ephedrine in the form of a muscle or intravenous injection and are about to inject ephedrine yourself at home, talk to your doctor about what to do if you forget to inject a dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.