Ephedrine intravenous for adults

Who can administer

Administration RESTRICTED- see Appendix 1

Important information

• Administration via a large vein or central line (ref 1)
• Contraindicated in combination with non-selective Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) or within 14 days of their withdrawal

Available preparations

Ephedrine 30mg in 1ml ampoule

Reconstitution

• Draw up using a 5 micron filter needle
• Dilute further prior to administration

Infusion fluids

Sodium Chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5% ^{(ref 1)}

Methods of intravenous administration

Slow intravenous injection

• Dilute one ampoule (1ml) with 9ml Sodium Chloride 0.9% ^{(ref 1)}
• This gives a 3mg/1ml solution
• Administer slowly over at least 3 minutes ^{(ref 1)}

Dose in adults

Usual dose: Reversal of hypotension from spinal or epidural anaesthesia

• Give in increments of 3 to 7.5mg
• Maximum dose is 30mg

Monitoring

• Monitor blood pressure, heart rate ^{(ref 2)}

Storage

Do not store above 25⁰C

References

Ephedrine (Ethypharm) SPC June 2019

1: Injectable medicines administration guide downloaded from Medusa 4th July 2023

2: Injectable Drugs guide, downloaded from Medicinescomplete  4th July 2023

Therapeutic classification

Sympathomimetic