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