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
