Ephedrine Hydrochloride 0.5%
Indications
Ephedrine Hydrochloride 0.5% is used for:
Nasal congestion
Adult Dose
Nasal
Nasal congestion
Adults and Elderly: Use 1 or 2 drops in each nostril as required but no more than 4 times a day.
Child Dose
Nasal
Nasal congestion
Children over 12 years: Use 1 or 2 drops in each nostril as required but no more than 4 times a day.
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity. Hypertension, thyrotoxicosis, BPH. Lactation.
Precautions
Ischaemic heart disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, angle-closure glaucoma, renal impairment; prostatic enlargement; pregnancy, elderly.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Reduces antihypertensive effect of bethanidine and guanethidine. May increase clearance of dexamethasone. Increased incidence of adverse effects when used with theophylline.
Potentially Fatal: Severe HTN when combined with MAOIs or withi 2 wk of discontinuance of MAOI treatment. Increased risk of arrhythmias with cardiac glycosides, quinidine or tricyclic antidepressants. Increased vasoconstriction or pressor effects with ergot alkaloids or oxytocin.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Ephedrine Hydrochloride 0.5% :
Nasal drops: Local irritation, rebound nasal congestion and drug-induced rhinitis on prolonged use.
Mechanism of Action
Ephedrine has both alpha- and beta-adrenergic acitivity with pronounced stimulating effects on the CNS. It increases cardiac output, induces peripheral vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, reduces intestinal tone and motility, and relaxes the bladder while contracting the sphincter muscle. It also has stimulant action on the resp center and dilates the pupil witho affecting light reflexes.