'''Ephedrine''' has the same action as epinephrine but has slightly different properties. It is similar to amphetamines in that ephedrine causes noradrenaline release leading to catecholaminergic receptor stimulation. Ephedrine has a lower potency but longer duration of action when compared with epinephrine. It also has more pronounced CNS effects.
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'''''Ephedrine can be used as a bronchoconstrictor as well as a pressor agent for shock patients.
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In non emergency situations it is used to increase the tone of the bladder spincter in cases of urinary incontinance.'''''
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Ephedrine has the same action as epinephrine but has slightly different properties. It is similar to amphetamines in that ephedrine causes noradrenaline release leading to catecholaminergic receptor stimulation. Ephedrine has a lower potency but longer duration of action when compared with epinephrine. It also has more pronounced CNS effects.
===Contraindications and Side Effects===
===Contraindications and Side Effects===
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*Avoid in patients with severe cardiovascular disease
*Avoid in patients with severe cardiovascular disease
*Caution in patients diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy and glaucoma.
*Caution in patients diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy and glaucoma.
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===Indications===
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Ephedrine can be used to increase the tone of the bladder spincter in cases of urinary incontinance; it can also be used as a bronchoconstrictor as well as a pressor agent for shock patients.