Ephedrine (Various; also combined with various drug entities)

Category:

• Nervous system

Description:

• Bronchodilator, vasopressor, decongestant

Indications:

• Bronchial asthma

• Nasal congestion

• Vasopressor in shock

Contraindications:

• Narrow-angle glaucoma

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Heart disease, coronary insufficiency, dysrhythmias, angina, hyperthyroidism

• Diabetes mellitus, prostatic hypertrophy, increased intracranial pressure, hypovolemia

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: anxiety, confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, headache, insomnia, seizures, tremors

• CV: chest pain, dysrhythmias, hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia

• EENT: burning, dryness, irritation, rebound congestion with prolonged use

• GI: anorexia, nausea, vomiting

• GU: dysuria, urinary retention

• METAB: hyperglycemia

• RESP: respiratory difficulty

• SKIN: contact dermatitis, pallor

Dosage:

Administered orally, intramuscularly, intravenously, subcutaneously, topically

• Adult:   

  • IM/SC 25-50mg, not to exceed 150mg per 24 hours

  • IV 10-25mg, not to exceed 150mg per 24 hours

  • PO 25-50mg 2-3 times daily

  • TOP (Nasal congestion): instill 3-4 drops every 4 hours or small amount of gel in each nostril every 4 hours

• Child:            

  • PO/SC/IV 3 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 4-6 hours

• TOP (Nasal congestion): instill 3-4 drops every 4 hours or small amount of gel in each nostril every 4 hours