Ephedrine

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Ephedrine

Ephedrine (pronounced: eh-FED-rin) is a medication and stimulant. It is often used to prevent low blood pressure during spinal anesthesia. It has also been used for asthma, narcolepsy, and obesity but is not the preferred treatment. It is of unclear benefit in nasal congestion. It can be taken by mouth or by injection into a muscle, vein, or just under the skin. Onset with intravenous use is fast, while injection into a muscle can take 20 minutes, and by mouth can take an hour for effect.

Etymology

The term "Ephedrine" is derived from Ephedra, a genus of gymnosperms in the family Ephedraceae. It is named after the plant Ephedra, from which it was first isolated in the 1880s.

Related Terms

  • Ephedra: A genus of gymnosperm shrubs, the species of which are known as joint-pines, jointfir, or Mormon-tea.
  • Stimulant: Substances that induce temporary improvements in either mental or physical function or both.
  • Asthma: A long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs.
  • Narcolepsy: A long-term neurological disorder that involves a decreased ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
  • Obesity: A medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that it may have a negative effect on health.
  • Anesthesia: A state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness.
  • Congestion: The state of being congested.

See Also

  • Pseudoephedrine: A sympathomimetic drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes.
  • Bronchodilator: A substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs.

External links

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