Ephedrine Sulf 5mg/ml Inj, 10ml

Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that acts on alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. Its primary mechanism involves both direct stimulation of adrenergic receptors and indirect release of norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve endings. This leads to increased heart rate, myocardial contractility, peripheral vasoconstriction, and bronchodilation.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience 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 or fainting
+ Changes in eyesight
Chest pain or pressure
Abnormal heart rhythms, such as fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
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 unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help:

Dizziness or headache
Feeling nervous or 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 not mentioned here. 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 you experienced.
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 also interact with this medication.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication with your existing 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.

Regularly monitor your blood pressure as instructed by your healthcare provider.

There have been instances of severely high blood pressure in postpartum women who received this medication in combination with other drugs, such as ergonovine and methylergonovine, which in some cases resulted in stroke. If you have 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.

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) - concurrent use or within 14 days of MAOI discontinuation (risk of hypertensive crisis)

• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - may potentiate pressor effects
• Other Sympathomimetics (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, amphetamines) - additive effects, increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events
• Alpha-adrenergic blockers (e.g., phentolamine) - may antagonize pressor effects
• Beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., propranolol) - may antagonize bronchodilator effects and leave alpha-adrenergic effects unopposed, leading to hypertension
• Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., digoxin) - increased risk of arrhythmias
• Ergot Alkaloids (e.g., ergonovine, methylergonovine) - increased risk of severe hypertension

• General Anesthetics (e.g., halothane, cyclopropane) - increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias
• Oxytocin - increased risk of severe hypertension and stroke
• Diuretics (e.g., loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics) - may reduce pressor response to ephedrine
• Antihypertensives - may reduce the hypotensive effect of these agents

• Not readily available

• Headache
• Palpitations
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Tremor
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Dyspnea

Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Ephedrine crosses the placenta and can cause fetal tachycardia and arrhythmias. It has been used to treat maternal hypotension during anesthesia, but fetal monitoring is essential.

L3 (Moderately Safe). Ephedrine is excreted into breast milk. Monitor breastfed infant for signs of irritability, sleep disturbances, or changes in feeding patterns. Use with caution, especially in neonates or preterm infants.

Use with caution. Dosing must be carefully calculated based on weight. Neonates and infants may be more susceptible to adverse effects, particularly cardiovascular and CNS effects. Not routinely recommended for hypotension in very young children; alternative vasopressors may be preferred.

Use with caution. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the pressor and CNS effects of ephedrine, increasing the risk of hypertension, arrhythmias, and anxiety. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly, monitoring closely for adverse effects.

• Ephedrine has both direct and indirect sympathomimetic effects, meaning it directly stimulates adrenergic receptors and also causes the release of norepinephrine.
• Tachyphylaxis (rapidly diminishing response to successive doses) can occur with repeated administration due to depletion of norepinephrine stores.
• Often used in the operating room to treat hypotension, particularly post-spinal or epidural anesthesia.
• Caution is advised in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g., hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias), hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or prostatic hypertrophy.
• The pressor effect of ephedrine is less potent but generally longer-lasting than that of epinephrine or norepinephrine.

• Phenylephrine (direct alpha-1 agonist, pure vasoconstrictor, less cardiac stimulation)
• Norepinephrine (potent alpha-1 and beta-1 agonist, for severe hypotension/shock)
• Dopamine (dose-dependent effects, for hypotension/shock)
• Epinephrine (potent alpha and beta agonist, for anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, severe bronchospasm)
• Albuterol (selective beta-2 agonist, for bronchospasm, oral/inhaled forms)

If your symptoms or health problems do not improve or worsen over time, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance. To ensure safe use, never share your prescription medications with others, and do not take medications that have been prescribed to someone else.

Store all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Proper disposal of unused or expired medications is crucial. Do not dispose of medications by flushing them down the toilet or pouring them down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so by a healthcare professional or pharmacist. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult with your pharmacist, who can provide guidance on safe disposal practices and inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area.

Some medications may have additional patient information leaflets available. Your pharmacist can provide you with this information upon request. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, it is important to discuss them 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 taken, the amount, and the time it was taken, to ensure prompt and effective treatment.