ephedrine

(ĕ-fed′rĭn )

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(ef′ĕ-drĭn)
[ Ephedra, a genus name + -ine ]
A synthetic sympathomimetic alkaloid originally obtained from species of Ephedra; first isolated in 1887. In ancient Chinese medicine it was used as a diaphoretic and antipyretic. Its action is similar to that of epinephrine. Its effects, although less powerful, are more prolonged, and it exerts action when given orally, whereas epinephrine is effective only by injection. Ephedrine dilates the bronchial muscles, contracts the nasal mucosa, and raises the blood pressure. It is used chiefly for its bronchodilating effect in asthma, and for its constricting effect on the nasal mucosa in hay fever.

INCOMPATIBILITY
Calcium chloride, iodine, and tannic acid are incompatible with ephedrine.

Descriptive text is not available for this imageEphedrine and ephedra may produce hypertensive crises, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac rhythm disturbances.

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