Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Mixed alpha/beta-adrenergic agonist (vasopressor)

Ephedrine hydrochloride

Brand names: various

Ephedrine hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic agent used in anaesthesia, given by injection to treat hypotension, particularly that caused by spinal or epidural anaesthesia.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It acts both directly on adrenoceptors and indirectly by promoting noradrenaline release, producing increases in heart rate, contractility and blood pressure with mixed alpha and beta activity.

Prescribing in practice

  • It can cause hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias, so titrate carefully and use cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
  • Tachyphylaxis can occur with repeated dosing as noradrenaline stores become depleted, reducing the response.
  • Avoid or use with great caution in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, in whom an exaggerated pressor response may occur.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely after each dose during anaesthesia.

Counselling the patient

  • Team: anticipate tachyphylaxis with repeated boluses.
  • Team: monitor for tachycardia and hypertension, especially in cardiac patients.

Evidence & guidelines

Ephedrine is an established vasopressor for the management of anaesthesia-induced hypotension, particularly after neuraxial blockade.

Reference: AAGBI Obstetric Anaesthetists Association guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways