Ephedrine is a commonly used drug to treat asthma, low blood pressure, and obesity. It is also used clinically to treat hypotension during anesthesia administration. Besides the clinical uses, it is also a pre-workout supplement among muscle builders. The issue with using workout supplements is that if you choose the wrong one, you might end up suffering from its side effects and fail to meet the expected results of the workout. Ephedrine is known to have adverse side effects such that in some countries, the sale of ephedrine as a pre-workout supplement is illegal. However, many people may be taking this supplement unknowingly due to a lack of knowledge. This article is prepared to educate people on what ephedrine is, its uses and side effects, and the safety measures to consider while consuming or administering ephedrine.
What exactly is ephedrine?
Based on its chemical composition, it is a bioactive component of the ephedra plant classed as an ephedrine alkaloid. It works as a sympathomimetic, meaning it stimulates the central nervous system and converts it to the neurotransmitter norepinephrine by mimicking the action of epinephrine. Other than being obtained from the plant ephedra, ephedrine can also be chemically produced. Ephedrine can be taken together with food or without. Some people may develop complications like stomach ache if taken without food. It can alternatively be administered through intravenous injections. The prescribed dosage of ephedrine should be taken regularly at the given times. If you miss one dosage, you can take it not long after the prescribed time. Otherwise, skip the missed dosage and continue with your regular dosage if it is almost time for the next dosage; ensure that you do not take two doses simultaneously.
Uses of ephedrine
1. Treating and managing asthma.
Ephedrine serves as both a decongestant and bronchodilator, effectively treating asthma by reducing inflammation and constricting blood vessels in the nasal passage. This alleviates breathing difficulties and allows patients to respire more easily. In the absence of swelling, ephedrine also relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways, facilitating their opening and enhancing overall ease of breathing.
2. Ephedrine as a pre-workout supplement.
Did you know that musclebuilders use ephedrine as a pre-workout supplement? Over the years, a lot of athletes and bodybuilders have used stimulants like ephedrine to boost their muscle growth and strength. Since ephedrine is a sympathomimetic, it acts on your adrenergic receptors, releasing epinephrine and dilating the arteries, elevating your heart and breathing rate. Dilation of the arteries and lungs results in more blood flow to the muscle and elevated oxygen intake, which ramps up your physical endurance and overall strength. Stimulant producers using this theory started making ephedrine supplements tailored towards maximizing workouts.
3. Ephedrine as a fat burner.
Similar to how it works as a pre-workout supplement, ephedrine helps burn fats by elevating your breathing rates, allowing oxygen delivery to your muscles. It also directly acts on the fat cells, increasing the metabolic rates. It is also considered to have the hot pie effect, which increases vascular thermogenesis. Ephedrine is clinically administered to patients to help reduce obesity.
4. Treating hypotension and low blood pressure
The process of inducing general anesthesia during operative cases may result in hypotension and vasodilation. Ephedrine is frequently used to treat hypotension due to its less alpha-adrenergic action on the uterine vasculature, which preserves uterine blood flow. The use of ephedrine results in the dilation of arteries, which helps stabilize blood flow.
As much as the advantages of ephedrine are visible, there is still concern over the safety of taking the drug. Several studies have been conducted concerning the intake of ephedrine, but there is still no comprehensive answer on whether it is safe for consumption. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has illegalized the sale of products containing ephedrine, especially dietary supplements, even though the ephedra plant and products are available for purchase.
Possible side effects of using ephedrine
- Consumption of ephedrine can result in allergic reactions like swelling of the face, lips, and mouth.
- Dizziness
- Fluctuating levels of blood sugars. Patients with diabetes should avoid taking ephedrine.
- If ephedrine is taken at a specific time, it can lead to sleeplessness; hence, patients are advised to consult with their doctors to prescribe the best time to take the ephedrine.
- Loss of appetite
- Risk of nausea and vomiting
- Consumption of ephedrine can cause heart palpitations if taken in large doses since it increases blood pressure.
- Psychiatric problems.
Safety measures for the intake of ephedrine
- Patients with diabetes are advised to seek medical advice from their doctors as intake of ephedrine is known to have side effects of fluctuating levels of blood sugars,
- The effects of ephedrine on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are still unknown. This makes it essential to discuss the potential risks of taking ephedrine to the fetus and baby. Remember, ephedrine can also be excreted through breast milk.
- Taking ephedrine may result in dizziness; hence, users are advised to avoid driving or getting involved in dangerous tasks. Ephedrine can cause dizziness. Hence, we should avoid driving or operating machinery immediately after taking ephedrine. Wait for a few minutes to see how you react to the ephedrine.
- Use ephedrine with extreme caution, and older people are more sensitive to the effects of ephedrine.
- Use of ephedrine may cause difficulty urinating, swelling in the mouth, face, and lips, rashes, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms after taking ephedrine, stop using the drug and visit the doctor for a check-up.
- Check with your doctors if any of the minor side effects persist after an hour after taking the ephedrine.
- Ephedrine should be stored at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid storing it in the bathroom and keep it away from children’s reach.
When planning to administer ephedrine, pharmacists should always verify the dose and ensure that there are no drug-to-drug interactions. Nurse anesthetists should also collaborate with pharmacists to ensure they administer the correct dosage. This is to avoid an overdose of ephedrine that may result in a rapid rise in blood pressure. An overdose or poisoning of ephedrine can cause hypertension and convulsions.
Angela Spearman is a journalist at EzineMark who enjoys writing about the latest trending technology and business news.