Primatene Intermittent Asthma Side Effects
Generic name: ephedrine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 17, 2022.
Note: This document contains side effect information about ephedrine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Primatene Intermittent Asthma.
Applies to ephedrine: intravenous solution.
Serious side effects
Along with its needed effects, ephedrine (the active ingredient contained in Primatene Intermittent Asthma) 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
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
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to ephedrine: compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral tablet.
General
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]
More about Primatene Intermittent Asthma (ephedrine)
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. "Product Information. EPHEDrine Sulfate (ePHEDrine)." Akorn Inc (2022):
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
4. "Product Information. Akovaz (ephedrine)." Eclat Pharmaceuticals (2016):
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
