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What is Ephedrine?
Ephedrine is used to relieve congestion due to colds, flu, hay fever, and allergies, and for temporary relief of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing due to bronchial asthma. Ephedrine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Ephedrine is a decongestant and bronchodilator. It works by reducing swelling and constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages and widening the airway, allowing you to breathe more easily.
Do not use Ephedrine if:
— you are allergic to this medication.
— you are taking furazolidone or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) in the last 14 days
— you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, a rapid heartbeat, or severe heart problems
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Ephedrine:
Some medical conditions may interact with Ephedrine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
— if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
— if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
— if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
— if you have a history of heart problems, diabetes, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems, adrenal gland problems, high blood pressure, seizures, stroke, blood vessel problems, an overactive thyroid, or severe asthma
Some medicines may interact with Ephedrine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
— Rauwolfia derivatives (eg, reserpine) because the effectiveness of may be decreased
— Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), cocaine, furazolidone, indomethacin, methyldopa, MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), oxytocic medicines (eg, oxytocin), rauwolfia derivatives (eg, reserpine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the actions and side effects of Ephedrine may be increased
— Bromocriptine, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, entacapone), digoxin, or droxidopa because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
— Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Ephedrine
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ephedrine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
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