Introduction

Name

• Ephedrine.

Class of drug

• Sympathomimetic alkaloid.
• Mixed alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist, by causing the release of norepinephrine.

Description

Chemical name

• (R*,S*)-2-(methylamino)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol.

Molecular formula

• C₁₀H₁₅NO.

Molecular weight

• 165.23 g.

Physical properties

• Fine, odorless, white crystals or powder.
• Approximately 770 mg are soluble in 1 mL of water.
• Colorless aqueous solution.

Storage requirements

• Room temperature.
• Protect from light.

Uses

Indications

• Urinary incontinence caused by urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) in ovariohysterectomized female dogs.
• Treatment of hypotension during anesthesia.
• Nasal congestion.

Administration

Precautions

Interactions

With other drugs

• Should not be used with other sympathomimetic agents or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, eg selegeline Selegeline hydrochloride.
• Volatile anesthetics will enhance the sensitivity of the myocardium to the effects of ephedrine.
• Concomitant use with cardiac glycosides (digoxin Digoxin) and tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline Amitriptyline) can cause arhythmias.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Ramsey I (2017) BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. 9th edn. British Small Animal Association. pp 141.
• Plumb D (2015) Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 8th edn. Wiley-Blackwell. pp 1296.
• Ko J (2009) Anesthesia Monitoring Techniques and Management. Proceedings of the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference.
• Peck T E, Hill S A & Williams M (2005) Sympathomimetics. In: Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. Greenwich Medical Media, London, UK. pp 187-208.