Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Akovaz, Corphedra, Emerphed, Rezipres
- Alpha/Beta Adrenergic Agonists
Description
Injectable alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist and norepinephrine-releasing agent
Used for the treatment of clinically important hypotension occurring in the setting of anesthesia
Less effective than epinephrine in acute bronchospasm; not recommended in asthma
Indications
Indicated for the treatment of clinically important hypotension occurring in the setting of anesthesia.
Contraindications
None
Adverse Effects
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting
- Cardiac disorders: Tachycardia, palpitations (thumping heart), reactive hypertension, bradycardia, ventricular ectopics, heart rhythm/rate variability
- Nervous system disorders: Dizziness
- Psychiatric disorders: Restlessness
Warnings
Serious postpartum hypertension and stroke reported with coadministration of a vasopressor (ie, methoxamine, phenylephrine, ephedrine) and an oxytocic (ie, methylergonovine, ergonovine); monitor BP if patient has received both ephedrine and an oxytocic
Repeated administration may cause tachyphylaxis; an alternative vasopressor may be needed to mitigate unresponsiveness to treatment
An increased incidence of hypertension has occurred when used for prevention compared with treatment of hypotension
Pregnancy and Lactation
Available data of use in pregnant females have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes
A single published case report indicates that ephedrine is present in human milk
No information is available on its effects on breastfed infants or on milk production
Maximum Dosage
47 mg ephedrine hydrochloride (38 mg ephedrine base) or 50 mg ephedrine sulfate (38 mg ephedrine base) IV total dose.
47 mg ephedrine hydrochloride (38 mg ephedrine base) or 50 mg ephedrine sulfate (38 mg ephedrine base) IV total dose.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
Ephedrine sulfate
injectable solution, as sulfate
50mg/mL (Akovaz, Corphedra, generics)
50mg/10mL (5mg/mL) (Emerphed); equivalent to ephedrine base 3.8mg/mL
injectable solution, as hydrochloride (Rezipres)
47mg/mL; equivalent to ephedrine base 38mg/mL
47mg/5mL (9.4mg/mL); equivalent to ephedrine base 7.7mg/mL
23.5mg/5mL (4.7mg/mL); equivalent to ephedrine base 3.8mg/mL
