Generic Name: ephedrine
Brand Name: Ephedrine
Drug Class: Alpha/Beta Adrenergic Agonists, Decongestant/Expectorant Combos
What is oral ephedrine, and what is it used for?
Oral ephedrine is an over-the-counter oral drug used as a dietary supplement, and treating nasal congestion and bronchospasm due to asthma.
- Ephedrine directly stimulates alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors and increases the release of norepinephrine.
- Its actions include relaxation of bronchioles, increased heart rate and contractility, and increased blood pressure.
- It also causes blood vessels in the nasal passages to shrink (vasoconstrict). Vasoconstriction reduces nasal congestion by preventing fluid from draining from blood vessels into the lining of the nasal passages.
- Ephedrine is also a central nervous system stimulant used illegally for weight loss and for performance enhancement diet supplements.
What are the side effects of oral ephedrine?
Common side effects include:
Possible serious side effects include:
What is the dosage for oral ephedrine?
- A dose of 12.5 to 25 mg orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 150 mg in 24 hour has be used for treating bronchospasm.
- The dose for treating nasal congestion in adults is 25 to 50 mg every 6 hours.
SLIDESHOW
What is Asthma? Asthma Myths Debunked See SlideshowWhich drugs interact with oral ephedrine?
- Ephedrine should not be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Combining MAOIs with ephedrine can cause an acute hypertensive episode. Examples of MAOIs include rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapar), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Ephedrine has not been adequately studied in pregnant women or in women who are breastfeeding.
Health News
- 5,000+ Measles Cases Threaten Canada’s Elimination Status
- Home Exercises Ease Knee Arthritis Pain
- Puberty: The Signs, Stages & When to See a Doctor
- Medical Debt May Soon Return to Credit Reports
- Sitting For Long Periods? Sip Cocoa Or Munch Berries To Protect Heart Health, Experts Say
More Health News »
Summary
Oral ephedrine is an over-the-counter oral drug used as a dietary supplement, and treating nasal congestion and bronchospasm due to asthma. On April 14, 2004 the FDA warned that over-the-counter products and supplements containing ephedrine are unsafe and may cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, heart irregularities, seizures, and possibly death. All products containing ephedrine have been removed from the U.S. market.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Fasting: What You Should KnowFasting: It's simple and trending, though it's been around for thousands of years. Find out whether it might be a good option for...
-
The Best Diet Tips: How to Lose Weight the Healthy WayLearn to lose weight in a realistic way that works. Find healthy weight loss by eating right, sleeping more, understanding...
-
Diet and Weight Loss: How to Cut Calories From Your DayWhen you want to lose weight, you’ll probably need to find a way to eat fewer calories. Try these tips to trim them from your...
-
Respiratory Illnesses: 13 Types of Lung InfectionsIs your cough caused by a cold, flu, pneumonia or something else? Learn causes of respiratory infection like bronchitis,...
-
Asthma and Your Diet: Foods That Help and HurtEven though there's no specific asthma diet that can help your condition, certain foods may help or harm your breathing. Learn...
-
How to Lose Weight Fast: Easy Weight Loss TipsHere are the best ways to lose weight. From calories to fitness, learn these weight loss tips and win your battle with losing...
-
Asthma QuizAsthma is a chronic disease of the airways of the lungs, which can be managed with proper treatment. Triggered by two main...
-
Weight Loss: Tips to Lose 100 Pounds or MoreThese lifestyle changes -- suggested by experts and real people who've lost the weight -- can help you stay on the path toward a...
-
Weight Loss Quiz: Test Your Weight Control IQAre you trying to lose weight? Take this quiz to see what you can add to routine to get on the right track for results!
-
Common Cold Quiz: Test Your Medical IQTake this quiz to learn the truth behind the infectious, contagious, uncomfortable disease known as the common cold. Test your...
-
Cold & Flu Quiz: Influenza vs. Common ColdAches? Pain? Fever? This Cold & Flu Quiz tests your knowledge on the difference between coming down with the common cold and...
-
What Is Asthma? Symptoms, Causes, and TreatmentsWhat is asthma? What is the main cause of asthma? Learn information about asthma, a chronic disease of the bronchiole tubes....
-
Low-Carb Snacks in PicturesInterested in low-carb snacking? Here are some ideas about smart snacks that are filling and low in carbohydrates.
-
10 Metabolism Boosting Facts and MythsLosing weight by increasing your metabolism is challenging. There are many metabolism myths and only a few surefire tricks to get...
-
Weight Loss Surgery: What to ExpectAre you considering weight loss (bariatic) surgery? WebMD helps you know what makes you a good candidate and the pros and cons of...
-
How to Get Rid of a Cold: Natural RemediesWhat home remedies work to get rid of a cold fast? Many claim cold symptoms and flu symptoms can be relieved with Echinacea,...
-
Bad Foods That Are Good for Weight Loss in PicturesAre you avoiding foods you could be enjoying as you try to lose weight? Get the skinny on "bad" foods like potatoes, cheese, and...
-
Asthma and the WeatherDoes the weather affect your asthma? Find out how heat, cold and thunderstorms can make it hard to breathe -- and what you can do...
-
How to Lose Weight Without Dieting: 24 Fast FactsGet surprising weight loss tips to help you slim down without starving or following a complicated diet. Lose weight without...
-
Slideshow: 25 Ways to Get Ready for Swimsuit SeasonDiscover 25 ways to get ready for swimsuit season. See exercises, diet tips, and other healthy beauty fixes that will motivate...
-
Popular Dieting Myths and FactsCan't tell fact from fiction about weight loss and healthy eating? Discover the truth behind some of the most common diet and...
-
How to Prevent the Common ColdWhat home remedies work for the common cold? The common cold is arguably the most common human illness. Learn how long the common...
-
Healthy Fast Food Options: 10 Tips for a Weight Loss DietWhat healthy fast food options are around you? Most fast food can't compare to the health of a well-planned, balanced diet. But...
-
Asthma: Common Inhaler MistakesAn inhaler helps you breathe better, but you might not be getting the full effect. Find out how to get the most out of your...
-
Germs: Everyday Items with the Most BacteriaExplore the germiest places you may encounter daily. Bacteria is everywhere. Learn tips to avoid germs and bacteria in public...
-
A Cold or The Flu? How to Tell the DifferenceDiscover the difference between cold vs. flu symptoms. Learn the difference between cold and flu symptoms. Read about cold and...
-
Best and Worst Drinks For Weight LossFrom coffee to cocktails, learn which beverages can help or hinder a healthy lifestyle. See the best and worst drinks for weight...
-
Asthma: Natural Ways to Ease Asthma SymptomsYou can do more than take medication to manage your asthma. Several other things can help you breathe more easily.
-
Home Remedies for Sick ChildrenHome remedies for sick babies, toddlers, and kids can help with things like colds, flu, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, fever,...
-
Nasal Irrigation: Natural Relief for Cold & Allergy SymptomsClogged sinuses and congestion bothering you? Nasal irrigation can relieve sinus symptoms associated with colds and allergies....
-
What is Asthma? Asthma Myths DebunkedWhat are asthma myths and facts? There is currently no cure for asthma, and no specific, single cause for asthma has been...
-
Asthma Attacks: Triggers, Symptoms, and TreatmentAsthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, headache, fatigue, dark circles under the eyes, trouble sleeping, and loss of...
-
Flu Shots: 10 Facts About Flu ShotsWhat are the side effects of a flu shot? Who should get vaccinated? Learn the benefits and risks of vaccination for seasonal...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)Low blood pressure (hypotension) is blood pressure that is so low that it causes low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
-
Common ColdThe common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and sometimes a fever.
-
Obesity and OverweightGet the facts on obesity and being overweight, including the health risks, causes, reviews of weight-loss diet plans, BMI chart, symptoms, causes, surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and medications.
-
Asthma MedicationsThere are two types of asthma medications: long-term control with anti-inflammatory drugs and quick relief from bronchodilators. Asthma medicines may be inhaled using a metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer or they may be taken orally. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart disease shouldn't take OTC asthma drugs like Primatene Mist and Bronkaid.
-
What Is the Best Prescription Weight Loss Pill?Many weight loss pills are available in the market. The best prescription pill for you depends on your weight loss goals, your tolerability to the pill prescribed and your coexisting health conditions, if any.
-
How Long Is a Cold or Flu Contagious?Viruses cause the common cold and the flu. Early symptoms and signs for a cold and the flu are similar, however, flu symptoms are typically more severe than cold symptoms. Cold and flu viruses are transmitted typically via coughing or sneezing.
-
AsthmaAsthma is a condition in which hyperreactive airways constrict and result in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Causes of asthma include genetics, environmental factors, personal history of allergies, and other factors. Asthma is diagnosed by a physician based on a patient's family history and results from lung function tests and other exams. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) are used in the treatment of asthma. Generally, the prognosis for a patient with asthma is good. Exposure to allergens found on farms may protect against asthma symptoms.
-
Cold, Flu, Allergy TreatmentsBefore treating a cold, the flu, or allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it's important to know what's causing the symptoms, which symptoms one wishes to relieve, and the active ingredients in the OTC product. Taking products that only contain the medications needed for relieving your symptoms prevents ingestion of unnecessary medications and reduces the chances of side effects.
-
Can Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Help You Lose Weight and Make You Look Younger?Research has found that there's no difference in weight gain between women taking HRT and those not taking it. HRT can improve the appearance of the skin, contributing to a younger look.
-
Lungs Design And PurposeThe lungs are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood is important, because as it builds up in the blood, headaches, drowsiness, coma, and eventually death may occur. The air we breathe in (inhalation) is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by the nose and the lungs.
-
What Is the Best Weight Loss Plan for Seniors?Persistent goals and making small adjustments in lifestyle and diet are the best weight loss plans for seniors.
-
Asthma Over-the-Counter TreatmentPatients who have infrequent, mild bouts of asthma attacks may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat their asthma symptoms. OTC asthma medicines are limited to epinephrine and ephedrine. These OTC drugs are best used with the guidance of a physician, as there may be side effects and the drugs may not be very effective.
-
Can Asthma Damage Your Lungs?Asthma inflames the inner lining of the respiratory tubes and tightens the smooth muscles surrounding the airways, and can cause irreversible damage to your lungs if the condition is not controlled well.
-
How Can I Treat My Child's Asthma at Home?Treatment of a child's asthma involves following an action plan developed in consultation with your child's pediatrician. Severe asthmatic attacks require immediate medical attention and treatment at the hospital.
-
How Long Does Asthmatic Bronchitis Last?The duration of the disease usually depends on the patient’s overall health and age. In patients with acute bronchitis symptoms may last less than 10 days. In patients with severe asthmatic bronchitis, the symptoms are recurrent and usually last between 30 days to even 2 years with flares and remissions.
-
COPD vs. AsthmaCOPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma both have common symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. COPD is caused by tobacco smoking, while asthma is caused by your inherited genetic makeup and its interactions with the environment. Risk factors for asthma are obesity, exposure to cigarette smoke (even secondhand smoke), and personal history of hay fever. There is no cure for either disease, but symptoms can be managed with medication. A person with asthma has a better prognosis and life expectancy than someone with COPD.
-
What Is the Treatment for Asthmatic Bronchitis?Asthmatic bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes carrying air inside the lungs that occurs because of asthma. Treatment for asthmatic bronchitis involves bronchodilators, steroids, treating secretions, leukotriene inhibitors, antibiotics, oxygen administration and avoiding triggers.
-
Asthma in ChildrenAsthma in children manifests with symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Rates of asthma in children are increasing. Asthma in children is usually diagnosed based on the description of symptoms. Lung function tests may also be used. A variety of medications are used for the treatment of childhood asthma.
-
Asthma ComplexitiesThere are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking pneumonia, and rapid breathing. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. These asthma complexities make it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat asthma.
-
Adult-Onset AsthmaAdult-onset asthma is asthma that is diagnosed in people over 20 years of age. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications or bronchodilators.
-
What Is Severe Asthma?Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease caused due to the airway’s hypersensitive response to allergic stimuli. Severe asthma or status asthmaticus is defined as asthma that is uncontrolled, despite adherence with maximal optimized therapy and treatment of contributory factors or asthma that worsens when high dose treatment is decreased.
-
What Class Is Severe Asthma?Asthma is termed as a chronic inflammatory lung disease caused by the airway’s hypersensitive response to allergic stimuli (dust, pollen, pollution, smoke or unhygienic conditions). This results in the narrowing of airway passages, making it hard to breathe. It is often genetic and passed down from families and precipitated during childhood.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Methotrexate Spares Steroids in Asthmatics
- Exercise Preventing Asthma?
- Asthma in Women, Asthma in Pregnancy
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Medication Disposal
- What Are the Side Effects of Asthma Inhalers?
- What Is Exercise-Induced Asthma?
- Best Exercises for Asthma: Yoga, Swimming, Biking, and Walking
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information