Ephedrine (Systemic) Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have thyroid disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you are a male with problems urinating, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• High blood pressure.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Nervous and excitable.

• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Inability to sleep.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.

• Very nervous and excitable.

• Severe headache.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.