Ephedrine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 5, 2025.

Applies to ephedrine: intravenous solution.

Precautions

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) may occur after receiving this medicine. It is very important that your doctor check your blood pressure after receiving this medicine. If you notice any changes to your normal blood pressure, call your doctor right away.

Using this medicine repeatedly may cause a rapid decrease of response to the drug.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of ephedrine

Along with its needed effects, ephedrine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ephedrine:

Other side effects of ephedrine

Some side effects of ephedrine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ephedrine: compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects were nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Myocardial infarction
• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, palpitations, reactive hypertension, bradycardia, ventricular ectopics, R-R variability, pallor, angina/anginal pain, hypertension, hypotension, extrasystole, arrhythmias, vasodilation with low blood pressure, flushing, impaired circulation to extremities^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Difficult/painful urination, acute urinary retention^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Dizziness, headache, trembling, lightheadedness, tremor, sedation^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Dry nose, dry throat, shortness of breath, respiratory difficulty, dyspnea, respiratory depression^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Restlessness, addiction, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, mood/mental changes, fear, irritability, confusion, delirium, euphoria, psychotic states, tension, hallucinations^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fever, precordial pain, vertigo, tachyphylaxis, drug tolerance, drug dependence, weakness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, mild epigastric distress, hypersalivation^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, anorexia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Sweating^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Ephedrine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer