Ephedrine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular combinations:

Found in many over-the-counter cold and flu drugs e.g. flusin, sinucon

Drug group:

Bronchodilator and decongestant

Prescription needed?

No

What does it do?

• Ephedrine is currently mainly used as a nasal decongestant
• It was previously prescribed as a bronchodilator for asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema
• Intravenous ephedrine is used to restore normal blood pressure after anaesthetic procedures, especially spinal and epidural anaesthesia

How does it work?

Ephedrine promotes the release of the neurotransmitter norephedrine

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• By mouth: total 45–180mg daily, taken 1-3 x daily
• Nasal drops: 1–2 drops into each nostril per dose, used 3–4 x daily
• Injection: 3–6mg every 3–4 minutes to a maximum of 30mg

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 15–60 minutes   
                                

How long will the effects last?

3–6 hours             
   

When should I stop using it?

Can be safely stopped as soon as no longer needed

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use is not advised, excessive use of ephedrine nasal drops leads to reduced decongestant effects and rebound congestion when stopped.                                

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, palpitations, dry mouth
• Less common: local irritation (nose drops), cold hands and feet, tremor
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: chest pain, urinary difficulties

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: kidney problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, overactive thyroid gland, glaucoma, urinary difficulties
• Other medicines: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), beta blockers, antihypertensive drugs, theophylline
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety in pregnancy not established, passes into breast milk and may not be safe for the breastfed baby
• Children: Reduced dose according to weight
• Over 60: Not usually prescribed
• Driving and hazardous work: No special problems
• Alcohol: No special problems
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: Drug may need to be stopped, discuss this with your doctor