Ephedrine
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine used primarily as a vasopressor agent to treat hypotension during spinal anesthesia and as a bronchodilator for respiratory conditions. It works by directly activating alpha and beta adrenergic receptors while also triggering the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons, leading to increased blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output.
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic medication used to raise blood pressure during anesthesia and relieve respiratory symptoms through its effects on adrenergic receptors.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CA26
- RxNorm
- 3966
- Generic
- Ephedrine
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Akovaz, Bronkaid, Emerphed, Bronkaid Max, Rezipres, Primatene with ephedrine, Primatene with ephedrine & guaifenesin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, nasal
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, solution, tablet, spray, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 25-50mg every 3-4 hours as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 3-4 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25mg every 4 hours as needed (for children ≥12 years)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25mg every 4-6 hours as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4-6 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use close to delivery due to risk of uterine vasoconstriction
fetal heart rate monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 24 hours after last dose
monitor infant for irritability, insomnia, feeding difficulties
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%
use lowest effective dose, start at low end of dosing range
monitor blood pressure, heart rate, cognitive function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
avoid use in children under 12 years of age
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50%, extend dosing interval
use with caution, monitor renal function
monitor blood pressure, heart rate, renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution, monitor for adverse effects
monitor blood pressure, heart rate, liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for ephedrine products
Drug class
Ephedrine is classified as a sympathomimetic agent and bronchodilator
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications of ephedrine
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of ephedrine
Ephedrine is indicated for the treatment of hypotension during spinal anesthesia, as well as for bronchospasm, asthma, and nasal congestion. It is also used off-label for certain cardiac conditions and as a的支持 during resuscitation.
Ephedrine acts as both a direct agonist at α- and β-adrenergic receptors and an indirect sympathomimetic by promoting the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve terminals. This dual action increases vascular tone, heart rate, and cardiac output, resulting in elevated blood pressure.
Ephedrine should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes due to its stimulatory effects. Common adverse effects include tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension, and anxiety. It may interact with other sympathomimetic agents and certain anesthetic drugs.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy