Ephedrine is used to manage breathing problems associated with asthma. This medicine helps by relaxing the airways of the lungs, relieving chest tightness, and wheezing so that you can breathe more easily.
Take Ephedrine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Ephedrine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- prostate enlargement
as Ephedrine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Ephedrine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- overactive thyroid disease
- closed-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to regularly monitor your blood pressure and pulse to check your body’s response to the medicine.
Ephedrine may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nervousness, sweating, weakness, difficulty sleeping, trembling, difficulty passing urine, shortness of breath, palpitations, fast or irregular heartbeat.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Ephedrine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for heart disease e.g. quinidine, digoxin, guanethidine
- methylphenidate (medicine to treat hyperactivity disorders)
- medicines for colds e.g. phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine
- medicines to block pain and sensation e.g. halothane, cyclopropane
- ergotamine (medicine to treat migraine)
- oxytocin (medicine used to induce labour and prevent bleeding)
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
- dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ephedrine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea and certain soft drinks.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep tablets in their original package to protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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