Ephedrine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for low blood pressure during anaesthesia and nasal congestion. In Pakistan it is available as tablets and injections, made by 6 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Ephedrine works

Ephedrine stimulates the body's adrenaline (adrenergic) receptors, both directly and by releasing noradrenaline from nerve endings. This makes the heart beat faster and more strongly and narrows blood vessels, raising blood pressure. In the nose, narrowing swollen blood vessels reduces congestion, and in the lungs it relaxes the airways.

What is Ephedrine used for?

• Low blood pressure during anaesthesia and nasal congestion

Ephedrine injection is used in hospital to treat low blood pressure that can occur during spinal or general anaesthesia, including during caesarean section. Ephedrine nasal drops are used for short-term relief of a blocked nose caused by colds or allergies. Oral products were once used for asthma, but safer medicines are now preferred, and ephedrine is a tightly controlled ingredient in many countries.

Side effects of Ephedrine

Because Ephedrine is a stimulant, its side effects mostly involve the heart and nervous system. Common ones include:

• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headache
• Tremor
• Nausea

Get urgent medical help for chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, a severe headache, confusion, or difficulty passing urine.

Precautions and warnings

• Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma or an enlarged prostate.
• Do not use it if you take, or have recently taken, an MAOI antidepressant, and mention other stimulants, decongestants and blood pressure medicines.
• Nasal drops should be used for only a few days, as longer use can cause rebound congestion.
• Avoid other cold and flu remedies containing decongestants at the same time.
• Use Ephedrine only as prescribed, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss it with your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions about Ephedrine

What is the price of Ephedrine in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Ephedrine products currently in stock range from Rs 279 to Rs 660 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Ephedra 30 mg Tablet at Rs 279. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Ephedrine are available in Pakistan?

Ephedrine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Sedaphrine (Bajwa Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd), Efedra (Genome Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Globodrin (Global-vision), Ephedrine (Karachi Chemical), Ephedra (Polyfine) and Epherin (Semos).

Do I need a prescription for Ephedrine?

Yes. Ephedrine is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Ephedrine be used during pregnancy?

Use Ephedrine only as prescribed, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss it with your doctor first.

Are all Ephedrine brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Ephedrine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Ephedrine brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 6 products containing Ephedrine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

Related medicines

Domperidone · Fluconazole · Dexamethasone · Aspirin · Divalproex Sodium (Valproate) · Terbinafine