GENERIC NAME: EPHEDRINE - ORAL (eh-FED-rin)
Warning | Medication Uses | Other 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). In addition, dietary supplements containing ephedrine should not exceed 8 mg as a single ephedrine dose, 24 mg of ephedrine per day (24 hours), or be given for longer than 7 days, as recommended by the FDA. Exceeding the recommended ephedrine dose increases your risk of the side effects noted above. For detailed information, consult your pharmacist. Check all product labels carefully to see if they contain ephedrine or ephedra/ma huang.
USES: Ephedrine is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat breathing problems (as a bronchodilator), nasal congestion (as a decongestant), low blood pressure problems (orthostatic hypotension), or myasthenia gravis.
OTHER USES: This drug has also been used to treat certain sleep disorders (narcolepsy), menstrual problems (dysmenorrhea), or urine-control problems (incontinence or enuresis).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually every 4 hours as needed; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For prescription ephedrine, do not exceed 150 mg per day in adults or 75 mg per day in children. Do not combine prescription ephedrine with ephedrine/ephedra/ma huang from dietary supplement products, since they are the same medicine. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming and you may increase for your risk for serious side effects. 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. Your doctor may recommend "drug holidays" where your medication is stopped temporarily. Doing so may help this medication work more effectively.
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.
- Asthma: Over the Counter Treatment - Get information on medications used for the over-the-counter (OTC) treatment of asthma. OTC drugs may be used to treat symptoms in those who have infrequent attacks.
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