EPHEDRINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Indications & Dose:

Reversal of hypotension from spinal or epidural anaesthesia BY SLOW INTRAVENOUS INJECTION Adult: 3–6 mg every 3–4 minutes (max. per dose 9 mg), adjusted according to response, injection solution to contain ephedrine hydrochloride 3 mg/ml; maximum 30 mg per course Reversible airways obstruction BY MOUTH Adult: 15–60 mg 3 times a day Neuropathic oedema BY MOUTH Adult: 30–60 mg 3 times a day

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Precautions:

Heart disease, coronary insufficiency, dysrhythmias, angina, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, prostatic hypertrophy, increased intracranial pressure, hypovolemia PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:Routinely used to treat or prevent maternal hypotension following spinal anesthesia; may cause fetal heart rate changes; excretion into breast milk unknown; one case report of adverse effects (excessive crying, irritability, and disturbed sleeping patterns) in a 3-month-old nursing infant whose mother consumed disoephedrine 

Interaction:

Drugs Antacids: Increased ephedrine serum concentrations Furazolidone: Hypertensive response possible Guanadrel: Inhibits antihypertensive response Guanethidine: Inhibits antihypertensive response MAOls: Substantially enhanced pressor response to ephedrine, severe hypertension Sodium bicarbonate: Increased ephedrine serum concentrations

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Lactations:

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Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

CNS: Anxiety, confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, headache, insomnia, seizures, tremors CV: Chest pain, dysrhythmias, hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia EENT: Burning, dryness, irritation, rebound congestion with prolonged use, sneezing, stinging GI: Anorexia nausea, vomiting GU: Dysuria, urinary retention METAB: Hyperglycemia RESP: Respiratory difficulty SKIN: Contact dermatitis, pallor

Patient And Carer Advice: