Ephedrine

Question 1

What is the generic name for Emerphed?

Answer 1

ephedrine

Question 2

Classification - ephedrine

Answer 2

adrenergic; vasopressor

Question 3

How is ephedrine supplied?

Answer 3

50 mg / mL

Question 4

Actions (Pharmacodynamics) - ephedrine

Answer 4

❑ Mixed acting drug because it activates adrenergic receptors both directly (binds to alpha and beta receptors) and indirectly (causes release of norepinephrine).
❑ In therapeutic doses, ephedrine relaxes bronchial smooth muscles and produces cardiac stimulation with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure when norepinephrine stores aren’t depleted.
❑ It’s a non-catecholamine, and has a longer half life than catecholamines (i.e. norepi, epi)

Question 5

Indications - ephedrine

Answer 5

❑ To correct hypotensive states (i.e. sepsis, spinal trauma, head injury, anaphylaxis, shock, etc.)
❑ Ephedrine can be given as a “bridge drug” (due the drugs half life) until an inotropic / vasopressor infusion is started to maintain an adequate BP

Question 6

Dosage - ephedrine

Answer 6

0.2 mg/kg IV/IO to a single max dose of 10 mg q 5 min prn

Question 7

Contraindications - ephedrine

Answer 7

❑ Hypersensitivity to drug or other sympathomimetics
❑ Patients with porphyria
❑ Severe CAD
❑ Patients taking MAO inhibitors

Question 8

Precautions - ephedrine

Answer 8

❑ Use with extreme caution in elderly men and in those with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, nervous or excitable states, diabetes and prostate hyperplasia.
❑ Angina pectoris, heart disease, CV disease, arrhythmias
❑ Patient taking tricyclic antidepressants; sympathomimetics

Question 9

Notes - ephedrine

Answer 9

❑ Not recommended for pediatrics
❑ MAOIs may increase pressor response
❑ TCAs my decrease pressor response
❑ Clinical effects may be diminished in patients who have a prolonged hyper-adrenergic state i.e. sepsis, prolonged destress, trauma, etc.

Question 10

What is the trade name for ephedrine?

Answer 10

Emerphed