| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved |
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Description
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An alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist that may also enhance release of norepinephrine. It has been used in the treatment of several disorders including asthma, heart failure, rhinitis, and urinary incontinence, and for its central nervous system stimulatory effects in the treatment of narcolepsy and depression. It has become less extensively used with the advent of more selective agonists. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
Ephedrine commonly used as a stimulant, appetite suppressant, concentration aid, decongestant, and to treat hypotension associated with anaesthesia. |
| Pharmacology |
Ephedrine is similar in structure to the derivatives amphetamine and methamphetamine. Chemically, it is an alkaloid derived from various plants in the genus Ephedra (family Ephedraceae). It works mainly by increasing the activity of noradrenaline on adrenergic receptors. |
| Toxicity |
Cardiovascular: tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris, vasoconstriction with hypertension |
| Absorption |
85% |
| Half Life |
3-6 hours |
| Elimination |
mainly renal |
| External Links |
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