ethylephedrine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

Sympathomimetic agent etafedrine is used as a long-acting bronchodilator that acts on its sympathetic receptors of the bronchioles, which induce its action by relaxing spasms and help in controlling cough associated with inflammation of the mouth and throat by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, which relieve nasal stuffiness. 

Spectrum: 

The spectrum of etafedrine includes treating bronchospasm, acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchial congestion, asthma, and cough. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency Not defined  

Irregular heartbeat 

Swelling of face 

Increased sweating 

Rash 

Redness of face  

Ringing in ears 

Hallucinations 

Shortness of breath 

Wheezing 

Restless ness 

Excitement in children 

Trembling 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

Seek immediate medical attention if blood pressure falls, pinpoint pupils of eyes, seizures, dizziness, restlessness, vomiting, and nausea occur 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

This drug should not be administered during the first trimester of pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Sympathomimetic agent etafedrine is used as a long-acting bronchodilator that acts on its sympathetic receptors of the bronchioles, which induce its action by relaxing spasms and help in controlling cough associated with inflammation of the mouth and throat by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, which relieve nasal stuffiness. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Sympathomimetic agent etafedrine is used as a long-acting bronchodilator that acts on its sympathetic receptors of the bronchioles, which induce its action by relaxing spasms and help in controlling cough associated with inflammation of the mouth and throat by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, which relieve nasal stuffiness. Unlike ephedrine, etafedrine will only show a bronchodilator effect by acting as a selective beta two adrenergic receptor agonist. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

It is readily absorbed from GIT. 

The time to achieve peak effect is 1 hour. 

Distribution  

The volume of distribution of etafedrine: 3 L/kg 

Metabolism 

Not Available 

Elimination and Excretion 

The half-life is 3-6 hours 

The drug is excreted in urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

etafedrine is used as an expectorant and measured with a teaspoon taken orally. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: ethylephedrine 

Pronounced: ETH-ul-eh-FED-rin 

Why do we use ethylephedrine? 

ethylephedrine is used for relief in case of chest tightness and wheezing that is associated with bronchial asthma and for relief in case of shortness of breath. ethylephedrine is a bronchodilator and decongestant which allows patients to breathe with ease.