Ephedrine
Pronunciation: (eh-FED-rin).
- Generic name
- Ephedrine
- Brand names
- Ephedrine Sulfate, Corphedra, Ephidrine, Akovaz, Ephedrine Hydrochloride, Ephedrine Injection
- Drug class
- Sympathomimetic agent
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Ephedrine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Ephedrine works
Ephedrine is a non-catecholamine sympathomimetic amine that acts as both a direct and indirect agonist at alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. It increases the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons and directly stimulates adrenergic receptors, resulting in increased heart rate, cardiac output, vasoconstriction, and bronchodilation. (1)
What Ephedrine is used for
Clinically important hypotension occurring in the setting of anesthesia
This is the specific, current FDA-approved indication for injectable ephedrine sulfate, administered by a trained healthcare professional. (2)
Nasal congestion / mild bronchospasm (historical oral use)
Oral ephedrine has historically been used for nasal congestion and mild asthma/bronchospasm symptoms, as recorded in the clinician database, but the current FDA-approved product label (injectable ephedrine sulfate) covers anesthesia-related hypotension only. Any oral/asthma use should follow the specific product label and prescriber guidance available in your country. (2)
Before taking Ephedrine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension, severe coronary artery disease, certain arrhythmias, closed-angle glaucoma, and those taking MAOIs. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Ephedrine
- General Instructions: Take ephedrine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose.. Adult Dosing: For hypotension during anesthesia: 5–10 mg IV, may repeat every 3–4 minutes as needed, up to a maximum of 50 mg. For oral use (nasal congestion/asthma): 25–50 mg every 4–6 hours, not to exceed 150 mg in 24 hours.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing in children must be individualized and supervised by a healthcare professional. Typical IV dose: 0.1–0.2 mg/kg per dose, repeated as needed.. Administration: May be taken orally with or without food. Injectable forms are administered by healthcare professionals.. When To Stop: If you experience serious side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop ephedrine.. Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and possible cardiac arrest. Seek emergency medical help or contact Poison Control immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Tachycardia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Palpitations
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypertension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Anxiety
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Insomnia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Tremor
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Urinary retention
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Severe or worsening headache, sudden severe blood pressure rise, or neurological symptoms (especially after childbirth or with an oxytocic drug) — possible severe hypertension or stroke
(2)Irregular or racing heartbeat, chest pain, or palpitations
(1)Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, or difficulty breathing
(1)Serious warnings
May increase blood pressure and heart rate — serious
Symptoms: May increase blood pressure and heart rate. Risk of serious cardiovascular events in patients with heart disease. Not recommended for long-term use or for weight loss. May interact with antidepressants, especially MAOIs. Use with caution in elderly patients and those with thyroid disorders.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension, severe coronary artery disease, certain arrhythmias, closed-angle glaucoma, and those taking MAOIs. Use caution in patients with diabetes, hyperthyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy, and in the elderly. Note: the current FDA label for injectable ephedrine sulfate lists no formal contraindications, but carries strong warnings for these same conditions — this is a labeling-format difference, not a safety disagreement.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Using ephedrine with an oxytocic drug (e — serious
Symptoms: Using ephedrine with an oxytocic drug (e.g. methylergonovine, ergonovine) can cause severe postpartum hypertension and stroke; this combination requires close clinician monitoring. Repeated ephedrine doses can lose effect over time (tachyphylaxis). Combining ephedrine with digitalis/cardiac glycosides increases the risk of heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia) and requires careful monitoring.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Ephedrine may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), beta-blockers, other sympathomimetics, certain antidepressants, and medications for high blood pressure. Combining with other stimulants or decongestants increases the risk of side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
| Oxytocic drugs (e.g. methylergonovine, ergonovine) | Risk of serious postpartum hypertension and stroke, per FDA labeling; used only with close clinician monitoring, typically in a hospital/obstetric setting. | (2) |
| Digitalis / cardiac glycosides | Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia when combined with ephedrine, per FDA labeling; requires careful cardiac monitoring. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Available human data have not identified an increased risk of major birth defects. Ephedrine crosses the placental barrier. It is used in pregnancy (e.g. for anesthesia-related hypotension) under direct clinician/anesthesiologist supervision; any other use in pregnancy should be discussed with your prescriber. (2)
Breastfeeding
Ephedrine has been reported in breast milk in case reports; the clinical significance for a breastfed infant is unknown. Discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare provider before use. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: ephedrine and its metabolite are eliminated by the kidneys; impaired renal function can prolong its half-life and effects, increasing the risk of adverse reactions — patients with renal impairment should be monitored carefully by their treating clinician. No specific hepatic-impairment dosing guidance is established in the sources reviewed. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: ephedrine and its metabolite are eliminated by the kidneys; impaired renal function can prolong its half-life and effects, increasing the risk of adverse reactions — patients with renal impairment should be monitored carefully by their treating clinician. No specific hepatic-impairment dosing guidance is established in the sources reviewed. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature, 25°C (77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59-86°F); keep the injectable product in its original carton until use, away from moisture and heat, and out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Anesthesia-related hypotension (FDA-labeled use)
Dose summary: FDA-labeled adult dosing: 5-10 mg IV bolus, additional boluses titrated to blood pressure response, maximum total dose 50 mg. Historical/off-label oral use recorded in the clinician database: bronchospasm 10-25 mg IV/IM every 4-6 hours as needed; oral nasal congestion/asthma 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 150 mg/24h.
Renal context: Ephedrine is renally eliminated; renal impairment can prolong its half-life and effects. No specific reduced-dose regimen is defined in the FDA label — monitor carefully. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is ephedrine used for?
Ephedrine is used to treat low blood pressure during anesthesia, relieve nasal congestion, and sometimes for mild asthma symptoms. It is also occasionally used as a bronchodilator.
How does ephedrine work?
Ephedrine stimulates adrenergic receptors, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and opening the airways by relaxing bronchial muscles.
Is ephedrine safe for everyone?
No, ephedrine is not safe for people with certain heart conditions, high blood pressure, or those taking MAOIs. Always consult your doctor before use.
Can I use ephedrine for weight loss?
Ephedrine is not recommended or approved for weight loss due to serious cardiovascular risks and potential for misuse.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double up doses.
What are the signs of an ephedrine overdose?
Overdose symptoms include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and possible cardiac arrest. Seek emergency help immediately.
Can I take ephedrine with other cold or allergy medicines?
You should avoid combining ephedrine with other decongestants or stimulants unless directed by your doctor, as this increases the risk of side effects.
What happens if I take too much Ephedrine?
Taking too much Ephedrine can lead to severe symptoms including rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, seizures, and even coma. If you suspect an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat an overdose, as it can be life-threatening.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Ephedrine?
It is generally advisable to avoid alcohol while taking Ephedrine. As a sympathomimetic, Ephedrine can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Alcohol can also affect the cardiovascular system and may exacerbate these effects, leading to an increased risk of adverse reactions such as arrhythmias or severe hypertension. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Ephedrine safe during pregnancy?
Ephedrine's safety during pregnancy is not definitively established and it is classified with a pregnancy category that requires caution. It is crucial to consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Ephedrine. Your healthcare provider can assess the potential risks and benefits to both you and the fetus.
What is the mechanism of action of Ephedrine?
Ephedrine is a non-catecholamine sympathomimetic amine that acts as both a direct and indirect agonist at alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. It increases the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons and directly stimulates adrenergic receptors, resulting in increased heart rate, cardiac output, vasoconstriction, and bronchodilation. (1)
What is the generic name of Ephedrine?
The generic name is Ephedrine. It is sold under brand names including Ephedrine Sulfate, Corphedra, Ephidrine, Akovaz, Ephedrine Hydrochloride, Ephedrine Injection.
What class of drug is Ephedrine?
Ephedrine is classed as: Sympathomimetic agent.
References
- Ephedrine Medicine Record (Internal Database)MedGuideGlobal Clinician Network · Global (Clinician Authored) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- EMERPHED (ephedrine sulfate) injection — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- EPHEDRINE SULFATE INJECTION [MEDICAL PURCHASING SOLUTIONS, LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Ephedrine sulfate — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA216129)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Ephedrine — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 221096)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Ephedrine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Emerphed5 mg/mL · nexus pharmaceuticals, llc
- Akovaz50 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL · exela pharma sciences, llc
- Primatene12.5 mg · foundation consumer brands
- Bronkaid Max25 mg · foundation consumer healthcare llc