Ephedrine Capsules and Tablets
Generic name: Ephedrine Capsules and Tablets [ e-FED-rin ]
Drug classes: Decongestants, Vasopressors
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 25, 2024.
Uses of Ephedrine Capsules and Tablets:
- It is used to treat asthma.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ephedrine Capsules and Tablets?
- If you have an allergy to ephedrine or any other part of this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets).
- If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
- If you have taken certain drugs used for low mood (depression) like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine or drugs used for Parkinson's disease like selegiline or rasagiline in the last 14 days. Taking this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets) within 14 days of those drugs can cause very bad high blood pressure.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ephedrine Capsules and Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
- Do not take this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets) for longer than you were told by your doctor.
- Have your blood pressure checked often. Talk with your doctor.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets) affects you.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
- Limit your use of caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate. Use with this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets) may cause nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets).
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
- Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets) while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Ephedrine Capsules and Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
Related/similar drugs
albuterol, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, midodrine, Ventolin, Ventolin HFA, phenylephrine, Xopenex, norepinephrine, ephedrine
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Very nervous and excitable.
- Not able to pass urine.
What are some other side effects of Ephedrine Capsules and Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dizziness.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
- Shakiness.
- Not able to sleep.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Not hungry.
- Headache.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Ephedrine Capsules and Tablets?
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from light.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
- Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (ephedrine capsules and tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about ephedrine
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (9)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: decongestants
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Emerphed, Akovaz, Corphedra, Rezipres
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.