Dangerous Drug: Ephedrine Sulfate(e fed’ rin)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Bronchodilator
Sympathomimetic
Vasopressor
Therapeutic Actions
Peripheral effects are mediated by receptors in target organs and are due in part to the release of norepinephrine from nerve terminals. Effects mediated by these receptors include vasoconstriction (increased BP, decreased nasal congestion alpha receptors), cardiac stimulation (beta1), and bronchodilation (beta2). Longer acting but less potent than epinephrine; also has CNS stimulant properties.
Indications
Parenteral
Treatment of hypotensive states, especially those associated with spinal anesthesia; Stokes-Adams syndrome with complete heart block; CNS stimulant in narcolepsy and depressive states; acute bronchospasm; myasthenia gravis
Pressor drug in hypotensive states following sympathectomy, overdosage with ganglionic-blocking drugs, antiadrenergic drugs, or other drugs used for lowering BP
Relief of acute bronchospasm (epinephrine is the preferred drug)
Oral
Treatment of allergic disorders, such as bronchial asthma, and temporary relief of wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness of the chest
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to ephedrine, angle-closure glaucoma, anesthesia with cyclopropane or halothane, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, hypertension, CV disorders, women in labor whose BP is lower than 130/80 mm Hg.
Use cautiously with angina, arrhythmias, prostatic hypertrophy, unstable vasomotor syndrome, lactation.
Available Forms
Capsules—25 mg; injection—50 mg/mL
Dosages
May be given PO, IM, slow IV, or subcutaneously.
Adults
Parenteral
Hypotensive episodes, allergic disorders: 25–50 mg IM (fast absorption), subcutaneously (slower absorption), or 5–25 mg IV given slowly; may be repeated in 5–10 min.
Oral
Acute asthma: Administer the smallest effective dose (12.5–25 mg PO every 4 hr).
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