) is a stimulant derived from plants in the genus Ephedra. It has been used to treat various ailments for thousands of years, particularly in China.
In modern times ephedrine has been widely used and available without a prescription in most parts of the world, but the last few decades began to see restrictions placed on the drug's sale and use, largely stemming from attempts to control manufacture of methamphetamine.
Currently most areas allow sale of only very small non-prescription dosage strengths, though the drug still sees widespread use as a prescription medication. Ephedrine Uses
Ephedrine is a versatile medication commonly used as a:
- Appetite suppressant
- Weight-loss aid
- Low Blood Pressure treatment
- Concentration aid
In short ephedrine is a central nervous system stimulant which produces effects similar to other stimulants, from caffeine to amphetamine; it enhances alertness, endurance, heart rate and blood pressure, while diminishing the need for sleep and food. Unfortunately it also carries similar risks of heart issues, dangerously high blood pressure, and addiction.
Taken with care, ephedrine poses little risk to otherwise healthy adults. The vast majority of severe side effects are the consequence of recreational misuse. Dosage & Administration
The ideal dosage and administration frequency will vary by the ailment being treated and overall patient condition. In general use can be broken into two categories:
- As-needed, occasional use to address a sporadic problem, such as an asthma attack or to improve focus for a task;
- Consistent, regular use to address a long-term issue, such as controlling low blood pressure or to achieve weight loss.
Some conditions, such as asthma, may be treated either way; patients may take ephedrine regularly as a preventative measure, or only sporadically when an attack begins.
Regardless of the condition being treated or the mode of administration, there are some general safety guidelines to keep in mind when using ephedrine:
- 8 to 12.5 mg are generally considered safe. Most non-prescription ephedrine products contain 8 to 12.5 mg. For many patients this dosage is sufficient to improve alertness and concentration.
- Most medical conditions such as asthma or low blood pressure are treated with 25 to 50 mg, taken as frequently as every 3 to 4 hours.
- 150 mg should not be exceeded in a 24 hour period. More than 50 mg should not be taken in one dose without explicit doctor approval.
- Taking 400 mg or more in less than 24 hours is considered very dangerous.
- Patients with high blood pressure, heart issues and other major medical conditions are at considerably greater risk of serious adverse reactions at any dosage level.
Tablets may be taken without food, but taking with food may help ease nausea. Plenty of fluids should be consumed to prevent dehydration.
Many patients build up resistance to ephedrine if taken frequently, in which the medication's effectiveness decreases. Effectiveness is restored if use is stopped periodically. Warnings & Adverse Reactions
As previously mentioned, for the most part effects of this medication are similar to those of any other stimulant, including side effects. Most are mild and do not interfere with activities:
Other medications may interfere with ephedrine's effectiveness, and vice versa. This includes non-prescription treatments, supplements, and particularly recreational stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. A complete list of known interactions can be found in the literature that comes with the medication.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this or other stimulants without first discussing possible risks with a doctor.