GENERIC NAME: EPHEDRINE - INJECTABLE (eh-FED-rin)
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: This drug should not be used in combination with other stimulant products (e.g., caffeine), other cough-and-cold products, or as a dietary supplement for the purpose of weight loss or body building. Doing so may increase your risk of unlikely but potentially fatal side effects including: stroke, heart attack, seizures, or severe mental disorders (see Side Effects section and Precautions section). Exceeding recommended ephedrine doses increases your risk of the side effects noted above. For detailed information, consult your pharmacist.
USES: Ephedrine injection is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat low blood pressure (hypotension) during certain surgical procedures, severe allergic-type reactions (e.g., bronchospasm or bronchial asthma), certain heart rhythm problems (e.g., Stokes-Adams syndrome), narcolepsy, and myasthenia gravis.
HOW TO USE: Inject this medication into a vein (IV), into a muscle (IM), or under the skin (SC-subcutaneously) as directed by the doctor. When given IV, the dose is injected slowly and may be repeated in 5 to 10 minutes, if necessary. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not exceed 150 mg (adults) or 3 mg per kg (children) in 24 hours. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.
- Myasthenia Gravis - Learn about myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease which symptoms include eye weakness, facial expression weakness, and difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis and treatment options are included in the information.
- Narcolepsy - Learn about narcolepsy symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, distorted perceptions, and sleep paralysis.
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