Ephedrine is an adrenergic drug which exerts peripheral effects resembling those of epinephrine and central effects resembling those of the amphetamines. Ephedrine produces a more sustained action but is less potent than epinephrine. It stimulates both alpha and beta receptors and its peripheral actions are due partly to norepinephrine release and partly to direct effects on receptors. Ephedrine stimulates the heart, elevating the systolic and usually the diastolic blood pressure. Its vasopressor effect results largely from increased cardiac output and to a lesser extent from peripheral vasoconstriction. Ephedrine produces relaxation of bronchial muscle which is more sustained but less pronounced than that produced by epinephrine. It also stimulates the CNS to a greater extent than epinephrine, but its central action is less potent than that of the amphetamines. The central effects of ephedrine are overshadowed to a large extent by its peripheral actions. It produces sympathomimetic effects when administered orally, parenterally or topically.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Acute toxic reactions are usually extensions of the therapeutic actions of the drug and are most often due to overdosage. Administration of ephedrine may be followed by headache, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, tension, tremor, weakness, dizziness, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, pallor, respiratory difficulty, palpitation, precordial pain (occasional), sweating, nausea or vomiting. These effects are usually transient and can be minimized by rest and recumbency.
Dosage: The usual adult oral dose is 15 to 30 mg daily