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Ephedrine

About ephedrine

Type of medicine Sympathomimetic
Used for Asthma
Bronchitis
Reversing low blood pressure caused by anaesthetic injections in the spine
Also called Cam
Available as Tablets
Oral liquid
Injection

Ephedrine works by opening up the air passages in the lungs so that air can flow into the lungs more freely. In doing so they help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Ephedrine is available in injection form to treat a sudden drop in blood pressure caused by an injection of anaesthetic in the spine

Before taking ephedrine

Before taking ephedrine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from hyperthyroidism (an over active thyroid gland).
  • If you suffer from heart problems or high blood pressure.
  • If you suffer from glaucoma.
  • If you suffer from diabetes.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from prostate problems.
  • If you have recently taken a type of antidepressant called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

How to take ephedrine

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take each dose at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • Ephedrine may keep you awake at night. To help prevent this, take the last dose for each day a few hours before bedtime.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not smoke. Smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your medication.
  • If you have diabetes: Check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.

Can ephedrine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Drink plenty of liquid. Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Sweating Try to keep cool and wear natural fibres. Drink plenty of water.

Other side effects include fast, fluttering or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, restlessness, problems sleeping, shakiness, coldness of the extremities (fingers, toes and nose), problems passing water or reduced appetite

How to store ephedrine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3385		 DocRef:
dils2411		 Last Updated:
8 May 2007		 Date of Next Review:
7 May 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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