Epidron is indicated to reverse hypotension induced by spinal or epidural anaesthesia. It is of little value in hypotensive crisis due to shock, circulatory collapse, or haemorrhage.
Ephedrine is a stimulant drug, belonging to a group of medicines known as sympathomimetics. Specifically it is both an alpha and beta adrenergic agonist. In addition, Ephedrine enhances the release of norepinephrine, a strong endogenous alpha agonist. The action of this compound is notably similar to that of the body's primary adrenergic hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), which also exhibits action toward both alpha and beta receptors. When administered, Ephedrine will notably increase the activity of the central nervous system, as well as have a stimulatory effect on other target cells.
To reverse hypotension induced by spinal or epidural anaesthesia 3 to 6 mg (or at most 9 mg) Ephedrine Hydrochloride is given by slow intravenous injection and repeated every 3 to 4 minutes as required; the maximum total dose is 30 mg. Ephedrine has also been given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
Adverse effects reported are nausea, vomiting, anorexia; tachycardia (sometimes bradycardia), arrhythmias, anginal pain, vasoconstriction with hypertension, vasodilation with hypotension, dizziness and flushing; dyspnoea; headache, anxiety, restlessness, confusion, psychoses, insomnia, tremor; difficulty in micturition, urine retention; sweating, hypersalivation; changes in blood-glucose concentration; very rarely angle-closure glaucoma.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
The use of Ephedrine is contraindicated in the presence of coronary thrombosis. It should be used with caution in patients with organic heart disease, cardiac decompensation, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, and angina pectoris, and in patients receiving digitalis.
Administration of Epidron may cause a hypertensive crisis in patients receiving an Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (including an Reversible Inhibitor of Monoamine Oxidase type A). Epidron should be avoided or used with care in patients undergoing anaesthesia with cyclopropane, halothane, or other volatile anaesthetics. An increased risk of arrhythmias may occur if given to patients receiving cardiac glycosides, quinidine, or tricyclic antidepressants, and there is an increased risk of vasoconstrictor or pressor effects in patients receiving ergot alkaloids or oxytocin
Epidron should be given with care to patients with hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, renal impairment, or angle-close glaucoma. In patients with prostatic enlargement, Epidron may increase difficulty with micturition. Use in pregnancy and lactation: Increased fetal heart rate reported with parenteral Epidron. Irritability and disturbed sleep have been reported in breast-fed infants.