Ephedrine Tablets

What is this medication?

EPHEDRINE (e FED rin) treats lung diseases, such as mild asthma, where the airways in the lungs narrow, causing breathing problems or wheezing (bronchospasm). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. This medication does not work as fast as a rescue or quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Mental health condition
• Prostate disease
• Seizures
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ephedrine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the label. Do not use it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Caffeine
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Other medications for allergy, cough, and cold
• Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. If your symptoms get worse or if you are using this medication more than normal, call your care team right away.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your care team for advice. Some nonprescription medications can affect this one.

Talk to your care team about how to treat an acute asthma attack or bronchospasm (wheezing). Be sure to always have a short-acting inhaler with you. If you use your short-acting inhaler and your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse, call your care team right away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Tremors or shaking
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substances. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.