About ephedrine hcl
Sympathomimetic vasopressor
Used for
- Treats low blood pressure during anesthesia, especially spinal or general anesthesia.
Usual adult dose
Usually 5–10 mg by intravenous injection; repeat as needed, guided by blood pressure and response.
Usual dose in children
Not routinely used in children; specialist dosing depends on age and clinical setting.
Common side effects
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Raised blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anxiety, tremor, or headache
Important warnings
- Requires monitoring of blood pressure and heart rhythm.
- Use cautiously with heart disease, high blood pressure, or overactive thyroid.
- Repeated doses may become less effective.
- Can worsen urinary retention or narrow-angle glaucoma.
Pregnancy
Used when clinically necessary, including during anesthesia; the treating clinician weighs benefits and risks.
Breastfeeding
A single injection is unlikely to harm a breastfed infant; repeated or larger doses may reduce milk production.
Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may cause a dangerous blood-pressure rise.
- Other stimulants or decongestants can increase heart and blood-pressure effects.
- Some anesthetics increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
- May reduce the effects of blood-pressure medicines such as beta blockers.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.