Emerphed 5mg/ml Pf Syr Inj, 10ml

Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that directly stimulates alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors and indirectly causes the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons. This leads to increased heart rate, cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, and blood pressure. It also causes bronchodilation and CNS stimulation.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Chest pain or pressure
Abnormal heartbeat (fast, slow, or irregular)
Weakness on one side of the body
Trouble speaking or thinking
Changes in balance
Drooping on one side of the face
Blurred eyesight
Difficulty urinating
Shortness of breath
Seizures

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Dizziness
Headache
Feeling nervous and excitable
Trouble sleeping
Upset stomach or vomiting
Decreased appetite
Restlessness
Excessive sweating

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If you have taken certain medications for depression or Parkinson's disease within the last 14 days, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, as this may increase the risk of very high blood pressure.
If you are currently taking linezolid or methylene blue, as these medications can interact with this drug.
If you are taking any other medications for nasal congestion, weight loss, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as these may interact with this medication.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to disclose all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you may have. Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to ensure it is safe for you to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

This drug may cause high blood pressure or a rapid heartbeat, which can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. If you have any concerns or questions, consult your doctor.

As directed, regularly monitor your blood pressure to ensure it remains within a safe range.

In some cases, women who received this medication in combination with other drugs like ergonovine and methylergonovine after childbirth have experienced severely high blood pressure, which has led to strokes in some individuals. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, notify your doctor. It is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to make an informed decision.

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) - risk of hypertensive crisis

• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - potentiate pressor effect
• General Anesthetics (e.g., halogenated hydrocarbons like halothane, isoflurane) - increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias
• Other Sympathomimetics (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) - additive pressor effects
• Oxytocic Drugs (e.g., oxytocin, methylergonovine) - risk of severe persistent hypertension
• Alpha-adrenergic blocking agents (e.g., phentolamine) - may reduce pressor effect
• Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (e.g., propranolol) - may reduce pressor effect and cause unopposed alpha-stimulation

• Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., digoxin) - increased risk of arrhythmias
• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide) - may reduce pressor response
• Ergot Alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine) - additive vasoconstriction

• Not many specific minor interactions documented for acute injectable use.

• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Tremor
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing

Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Ephedrine crosses the placenta and may cause fetal tachycardia and arrhythmias.

Ephedrine is excreted into breast milk. Caution is advised. Monitor breastfed infants for irritability, sleep disturbances, and feeding difficulties.

Use with caution. Dosing is weight-based. Children may be more sensitive to the pressor and CNS stimulant effects. Close monitoring of vital signs is essential.

Use with caution. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the pressor effects and CNS stimulation of ephedrine. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events due to age-related comorbidities.

• Ephedrine is commonly used to treat hypotension during spinal or epidural anesthesia due to its combined alpha and beta effects, which help maintain cardiac output and blood pressure.
• Tachyphylaxis (rapidly diminishing response to successive doses) can occur with repeated administration.
• Monitor patients closely for cardiac arrhythmias, especially those with pre-existing cardiac conditions.
• Caution is advised in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g., hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias), hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, prostatic hypertrophy, or narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Ensure adequate intravascular volume before administering ephedrine, as it is not a substitute for fluid resuscitation in hypovolemic patients.

• Phenylephrine (pure alpha-agonist, often preferred for hypotension with high cardiac output)
• Norepinephrine (alpha and beta-1 agonist, potent vasopressor for shock)
• Dopamine (dose-dependent effects, often used for shock)
• Vasopressin (non-adrenergic vasopressor)
• Mephentermine (another indirect sympathomimetic)

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed to someone else.

Store all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Properly dispose of unused or expired medications by checking with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method. Unless instructed to do so, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain, as this can contaminate waterways. Many communities offer drug take-back programs, which your pharmacist can help you locate.

Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, consult with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide critical information, including the name of the medication, the amount taken, and the time it was ingested, to ensure prompt and effective treatment.