Ephedrine Hdrochloride

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

Contraindications:

Side Effects:

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

Cautions:

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

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: