Ephedrine Injection: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings

Use for self-medication for bronchospasm only if previously diagnosed with asthma; do not use if previously hospitalized for asthma unless directed by a clinician. If used for treatment of hypotension during anesthesia, consider possibility of tachyphylaxis and be prepared to use an alternative vasopressor. Previously used for self-medication in the management of obesity† [off-label].

• These effects are significant in the labor and delivery ward.
• Carefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both ephedrine and an oxytocic.
• Ephedrine is a member of the decongestants drug class and is commonly used for Adams-Stokes Syndrome, Asthma – acute, COPD – Acute, and others.
• Its peripheral actions, which it owes in part to the release of norepinephrine, simulate responses that are obtained when adrenergic nerves are stimulated.

What are some other side effects of Ephedrine Injection?

This price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies. Ephedrine is a member of the decongestants drug class and is commonly used for Adams-Stokes Syndrome, Asthma – acute, COPD – Acute, and others. Use by nursing mothers is not recommended because of the higher than usual risk for infants. It is not known what effect Ephedrine Sulfate Injection, USP may have on the newborn or on the child’s later growth and development when the drug is administered to the mother just before or during labor. Precordial pain and cardiac arrhythmias may occur following administration of Ephedrine Sulfate Injection, USP.

1 General Dosage and Administration Instructions

Cool applications and dexamethasone 1 mg/kg, administered slowly intravenously, may control pyrexia. If respirations are shallow or cyanosis is present, artificial respiration should be administered. In cardiovascular collapse blood pressure should be maintained. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Ephedrine Sulfate Injection, USP. Also, it is not known whether the drug can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Ephedrine Sulfate Injection, USP should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly indicated.

Clinical studies of ephedrine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function. Has been used in pregnant women for treatment of hypotension during spinal anesthesia; available data support efficacy and safety of ephedrine sulfate injection for such use.

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Administer ephedrine sulfate (Akovaz) by direct IV (“bolus”) injection. Must dilute commercially available injection prior to IV administration. May prepare a Pregnyl buy 5-mg/mL solution by diluting 1 mL of the 50-mg/mL injection concentrate with 9 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection.