Ephedrine Side Effects
Please note - some side effects for Ephedrine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).
Side Effects of Ephedrine - for the Consumer
Ephedrine/Guaifenesin
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ephedrine/Guaifenesin:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ephedrine/Guaifenesin:Dizziness; excitability; headache; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; weakness.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor.
Ephedrine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ephedrine:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ephedrine:Anxiety; confusion; difficulty sleeping; dizziness; headache; nausea; nervousness; pale skin; restlessness; sweating; tension; tremors; weakness.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; difficulty urinating; eye pain; hallucinations; increased irregular heartbeat; nausea; pounding in the chest; vomiting.
Ephedrine Capsules
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ephedrine Capsules:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ephedrine Capsules:Dizziness; headache; nausea; nervousness; restlessness; sleeplessness; stomach irritation.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating.
Ephedrine/Guaifenesin Syrup
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ephedrine/Guaifenesin Syrup:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ephedrine/Guaifenesin Syrup:Dizziness; excitability; headache; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; weakness.
TopSevere allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor.
Side Effects by Body System
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects associated with large doses of ephedrine have included nervousness, insomnia, vertigo, and headache. Seizure, anxiety, and tremors have also been reported.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects associated with large doses of ephedrine have included tachycardia and palpitation. Precordial pain and arrhythmias have been reported following administration of ephedrine injection. Hypertension, stroke, and myocardial infarction have also been reported.
Other
Other side effects associated with large doses of ephedrine have included sweating.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, and anorexia.
Genitourinary
Urinary retention has mainly been reported in male patients with prostatism.
Genitourinary side effects have included dysuria and urinary retention.
Psychiatric
Psychiatric side effects associated with prolonged abuse of ephedrine have included symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia. Suicide and psychotic episodes have also been reported.
TopMore resources:
Ephedrine Oral/Injection - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
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