Ephedrine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

Applies to ephedrine: intravenous solution.

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:

Incidence not known

• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• dizziness
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• headache
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness

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:

Incidence not known

• nausea or vomiting
• restlessness

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]

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