The drug "Ephedrine": what kind of medicine is it and when is it used?

During the examination, doctors often prescribe to patients the use of the drug "Ephedrine". What is this medicine? What properties does it have? What diseases can I get rid of with it? Is the drug really addictive? These questions are of interest to many people.

"Ephedrine": what is it? Composition and properties of the preparation

This drug is produced in various forms - it's tablets (including for children), solutions for injections, and nasal drops. The main active substance is ephedrine, which stimulates the alpha and beta adenoreceptors.

In fact, this substance has a lot of useful properties. In particular, it affects the bronchi, helps narrow the dilated vessels, increases the tone of the skeletal muscles. Along with this, after taking the drug, there is an increase in the level of glucose in the blood, dilated pupils of the eye and increased myocardial contractions. Along with this, this drug stimulates the work of the nervous system.

Indications for use of the drug

There are a lot of disorders and diseases, for which Ephedrine is used. What are these diseases? As the drug narrows the vessels, it is prescribed for catarrhal and vasomotor rhinitis, allergic reactions. Indication for its use is arterial hypotension caused by shock conditions, severe blood loss, trauma, and surgical operations.

This drug quickly removes itching and swelling in hives. It is also used to treat bronchitis. Eye drops "Ephedrine" are used in modern ophthalmology - they make it possible to quickly expand the pupil and carry out diagnostics. In some cases, the drug is prescribed to patients with depression, because it acts as a stimulant.

Despite the fact that you can buy "Ephedrine" without a prescription, it is strictly prohibited to use it. It is almost impossible to choose the right dosage and mode of reception independently. The medicine can only be used for the doctor's prescription.

Contraindications and side effects

Of course, there are some violations in which the use of the drug "Ephedrine" is prohibited. What are these diseases? To begin with, it is worth noting that the drug is banned for people with hypersensitivity, as well as patients with ventricular fibrillation, tachycardia, hypertension and insomnia.

Myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, diabetes mellitus, embolism, prostatic hyperplasia, atherosclerosis - all these diseases are contraindications to the use of this drug.

Taking medication can affect the functioning of the body. Some patients experience nausea, vomiting, heartburn, a feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat, and a decrease in appetite. The medicine can affect the work of the nervous system, causing nervousness, anxiety, hallucinations, headaches, dizziness and weakness. Side effects include increased or sharp decrease in blood pressure, pain during urination, muscle spasms, tremors and convulsions, increased drowsiness, sudden changes in mood.

The drug "Ephedrine": the effects of long-term use

Undoubtedly, the main drawback of this drug is its rapid addiction to it, which is especially often developed with uncontrolled admission. The withdrawal of the medication is accompanied by weakness and lethargy, increased irritability. Sometimes there is a violation of the brain, memory impairment , violation of concentration. Patients with addiction become more irritable and aggressive, and sometimes fall into depression. This is why all preparations containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine should be taken only according to the doctor's prescription and with the observance of precise doses.