What do you need to know about Ephedrine Hydrochloride? Expert Medical Analysis

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Ephedrine – it is a sympathomimetic amine of plant origin, active ingredient originally isolated from Ephedra distichal known in the Far East as Ma hung, a herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is classified as a drug that acts as a stimulant of the Central Nervous System. In medicine, ephedrine is used as a decongestant of nasal mucous membranes and as an anti-allergic agent. It belongs to the group of nasal vasoconstrictors. Ephedrine promotes thermogenesis, an action by which fat calories are converted into heat.

Mechanism of action

Ephedrine hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic amine presented in a 1% solution for use as a nasal topical, acts as a decongestant of nasal mucous membranes and as an anti-allergic agent. Adrenergic bronchodilators work by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs to relax bronchial smooth muscle, thereby relieving bronchospasm, increasing vital capacity, decreasing residual volume and reducing airway resistance. So, if you have any breathing problem such as shortening of breath, nasal mucous, respiratory issues, you can buy Ephedrine Hydrochloride 30mg Tablets online, only after discussing with your doctor.

In addition, epinephrine can relax bronchial smooth muscle, acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors to contract bronchial arterioles and histamine-induced edema. It can also inhibit the release of histamine produced by antigens. It acts on the alpha-adrenergic receptors of the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa, produces vasoconstriction, which causes nasal decongestion.

Pharmacokinetics

It is rapidly absorbed after topical administration. It acts on the adrenergic receptor (main): alpha; beta-1 and beta-2. The onset of action is rapid, produces nasal vasoconstriction 30 seconds after its application and its effect lasts 3 to 5 hours. It is resistant to monoamine oxidase metabolism and is mostly eliminated unchanged in the urine, along with small amounts of metabolites produced by liver metabolism. The half-life in the body is 3 to 6 hours, depending on urinary ph. In acidic urine the elimination is increased and, therefore, the half-life decreases.

Indications

It is used to relieve reversible bronchospasm associated with bronchial asthma, bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, bronchiectasis, obstructive pulmonary disease, etc. Also as a local treatment of nasal congestion in acute coryza, vasomotor rhinitis, acute sinusitis and hay fever and as a stimulant of the Central Nervous System in the treatment of narcolepsy and depressive states. The use of ephedrine as a drug occurs in cases of nasal congestion, bronchospasm and hypotension induced by anesthesia. The ability to treat the aforementioned conditions varies depending on the way in which ephedrine is administered. More in detail, when administered nasally, ephedrine is able to exert a decongestant action, while when it is administered parentally, it is able to counter bronchospasm and hypotension.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to the drug or other sympathomimetic. Cardiac arrhythmias with associated tachycardia. Tachycardia or heart block caused by digitalis poisoning. Closed angle glaucoma General anesthesia with halogenated agents or cyclopropane. Before taking ephedrine as a drug, you must tell your doctor if:

  • You suffer from kidney disorders and diseases.
  • You are suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
  • You suffer from hypertension.
  • One is suffering from prostatic hypertrophy.
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Precautions

Ephedrine should be used with caution during pregnancy / lactation periods. Its administration is not recommended during pregnancy, if necessary, the possible risks against the expected benefits should be assessed. Ephedrine has been found in breast milk so it is not recommended for use during breastfeeding or should be suspended if necessary treatment. It should be administered with caution in patients with renal failure since patients under ephedrine treatment may present with acute urinary retention or difficulty urinating. Avoid prolonged use since it can cause anxiety symptoms and in many cases develop nervousness. The risk-benefit ratio should be evaluated in the following cases – coronary insufficiency, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, diagnosed or suspected pheochromocytoma and prostatic hypertrophy, geriatric patients and psychoneurotic individuals.

Adverse reactions

The most frequent adverse effects are discomfort or chest pain, seizures, fever, dizziness or feeling dizzy, tachycardia, continuous or severe headache, dysuria, nervousness, insomnia, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils or blurred vision Uncommon, palpitations, vertigo and sweating. It is a sympathomimetic amine of plant origin, active ingredient originally isolated from Ephedra vulgaris. It is a very active adrenergic agonist on the receptors of the sympathetic nervous system, but it is relatively weak as a central nervous system stimulant. It acts similarly to an amphetamine because both have similar chemical structures

In this way, ephedrine can reduce the feeling of fatigue and increase alertness. This can also increase tissue metabolism. Therefore, Ephedrine Hydrochloride 30mg has been used in the composition of diet pills. It is usually used as a stimulant, appetite suppressant, decongestant, concentration enhancer, and to treat hypotension associated with anesthesia. It is a drug based on the active ingredient Ephedrine Hydrochloride, belonging to the category of respiratory Adrenergic and specifically Agonist of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors.

Dosage – Treatment of bronchospasm

Ephedrine Hydrochloride can be prescribed with Recipe RR – medicines subject to medical prescription. Ephedrine hydrochloride is used for the treatment and treatment of various diseases and pathologies such as asthma, pulmonary emphysema, and sinusitis.

Adults and adolescents – from 12.5 to 30 mg administered intramuscularly, subcutaneously or intravenously.

Children (up to 12 years of age) – 750 micrograms per kg of body weight 25 mg per m 2 of body surface, administered subcutaneously or intravenously, depending on the patient’s response.

Treatment of hypotension induced by spinal, epidural or intrathecal anesthesia

Adults and adolescents – 25 to 50 mg subcutaneously or intramuscularly or intravenously if rapid blood pressure is required.

Children (up to 12 years of age) – 0.2 – 0.3 mg per kg of body weight, to be repeated every 4-6 hours depending on the patient’s response.

Therapeutic indications

The therapeutic indications of ephedrine as a drug vary depending on the pharmaceutical form, consequently, depending on the route of administration through which the active principle is given to the patient. Ephedrine in the form of ointment, drops and nasal sprays – therefore, ephedrine as a drug administered at the level of the mucous membrane of the nose – is indicated in the treatment of nasal congestion.

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Savi is a regular writer and social activist. She also writes for BBC, Huffington Posts and others.

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