Ephedrine is used in the management of decreased blood pressure. It does so by constricting (narrowing) the blood vessels, that increases the flow of blood towards the heart and hence the blood pressure too.
ephedrine
Ephedrine is often used to prevent low blood pressure during anesthesia.
Contradications
This medicine is contraindicated in hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypertension (rise in blood pressure), coronary disease (major blood vessels supplying heart become damaged), prostatic hypertrophy (prostate gland enlargement), hyperexcitability, closed angle glaucoma (iris bulges forward to narrow).
Side effects
Side effects of ephedrine include:
- Tachycardia
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Tremor
- Dry mouth
- Impaired circulation to the extremities
- Hypertension
- Headache
- Cardiac arrhythmias.
Expert Advice
- Its different brands & formulations have different instructions on its use & direction. Which should be referred and followed.
- Always keep your doctor or pharmacist informed of allergies & medical conditions that you may have. So that way you stay safe from serious side effects.
- In case condition worsens, seek for immediate medical attention.
FAQs
What dose ephedrine treats and how?
Is this medicine available for the use of patients with increased blood pressure?
No, it is not. This medicine is designed specifically to cater the hypotensive (lowered blood pressure) condition happening after spinal anesthesia.
Is ephedrine safe for use on pregnant and lactating females?
It is contraindicated in both of these conditions.
In particular, is there any medicine that should be strictly avoided with ephedrine?
Anti-depressants- simultaneous use of which might disturb the effect of ephedrine on the body.
Is it safe to drive immediately after the consumption of this medicine?
Yes, it is. As ephedrine does not have any effect on alertness.
Medicines containing ephedrine
Rs.298.7
Rs.300
Rs.300
Rs.9
Rs.8
Rs.10