Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine

APPEARANCEEphedrine:

Base:Waxy solid, crystals or granules with soapy feelSoluble in water , alcohol, ethyl ether, chloroform and oilsHydrochloride: white crystalsSoluble in water, very soluble in alcohol, practically insoluble in ethyl ether

Sulfate: White or slightly reddish yellow crystals (orthorhombic needles)soluble in water, partly soluble in alcohol

Chemical Description

1988 UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST ILLICIT TRAFFIC IN NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES

LIST OF SUBSTANCES IN TABLE 1

Promotes modest short term weight loss (specifically fat loss but ineffective in the long term)

Decrease gastric emptying

Increase performance in athletes and has a synergestic effect with caffeine

EFFECTSOne of them is known as theECA stack, containingcaffeineandaspirinbesides ephedrine and is a popular supplement taken bybody buildersto cut down body fat before a competition6Gastrointestinal:Nausea

Genitourinary:Decreased urination

Nervous system:RestlessnessConfusionInsomiaMild euphoriaDelusionsHallucinationsParanoiaPanicagitation

ADRs associated with ephedrine therapy include:

Cardiovascular:

Cardiac arrhythmiasAngina pectorisVasoconstriction with hypertension

Dermatological:FlushingSweatingAcne vulgaris

ADVERSE EFFECTSADRs-adverse drug reactiondecreased urination due to vasoconstriction of renal 7

Routes of AdministrationEphe-oral, IV, IM, SCPse-Oral and Insuflation(snorting)Insufflation-method of inhaling a substanceIV-intravenousIM-intramascularSC-subcutaneous8Accumulates in the liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen and brain.

Disposition in the Body

stimulate thermogenesiswhich is the heat production of the body, thus higher metabolic rate, increasing energy consumption and fat oxidation9