Ephedrine

Ephedrine (EPH) is a sympathomimetic amine commonly used as a decongestant. Chemically, it is an alkaloid derived from various plants in the genus Ephedra (family Ephedraceae). The salt ephedrine hydrochloride has found various uses which utilise its sympathomimetic effect.

Indications

In traditional Chinese medicine, ephedrine has been used in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis for centuries (Ford, 2001). In Western medicine ephedrine was once widely used as a nasal decongestant and as a bronchodilator in the treatment for asthma. It continues to be used for these indications, though the popularity is waning due to the availability of more selective agents for these indications which exhibit fewer adverse effects (Joint Formulary Committee, 2004). The role in nasal congestion has largely been replaced by more potent α-adrenergic receptor agonists (e.g. oxymetazoline). Similarly the role of ephedrine in asthma has been almost entirely replaced by β2-adrenergic receptor agonists (e.g. salbutamol).

Related Topics:
Nasal decongestant - Bronchodilator - Asthma - Oxymetazoline - Salbutamol

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Ephedrine continues to be used intravenously in the reversal of hypotension from spinal/epidural anaesthesia (Joint Formulary Committee, 2004). It is also used in other hypotensive states, including overdose with ganglionic blocking agents, antiadrenergic agents, or other medications that lower blood pressure (Bicopoulous, 2002).

Related Topics:
Intravenous - Hypotension - Epidural anaesthesia - Ganglionic blocking agents

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An ECA stack is a component found in thermogenic weight loss pills, composed of ephedrine, caffeine and aspirin working to speed up the metabolism and thus cause food energy to burn faster.

Related Topics:
ECA stack - Food energy

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