DRUG STUDY

GENERIC NAME BRAND NAME DRUG CLASSIFFICATION DOSAGE & FREQUENCY MECHANISM OF ACTION INDICATIONS CONTRA INDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

Ephedrine Sulfate

Bronkaid

Bronchodilator Sympathomimetic Vasopressor

25 mg 50 mg /ml

Stimulates both alpha-and betareceptors, causing increased heart rate, unchanged or augmented stroke volume, enhanced cardiac output, and increased BP. Causes relaxation of smooth muscle of bronchi and GI tract, stimulation of cerebral cortex, and pupil dilation.

IM/IV/subcuta neous Treatment of acute hypotensive states; treatment of Adams-Stokes syndrome with complete heart block; stimulation of CNS to combat narcolepsy and depressive states; treatment of acute bronchospasm; treatment of enuresis; treatment of myasthenia gravis; allergic disorders, such as bronchial asthma.

Angle-closure glaucoma; patients anesthetized with cyclopropane or halothane; cases in which vasopressor drugs are contraindicated (eg, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension of pregnancy); MAOI therapy; narrow-angle glaucoma; nonanaphylactic shock during general anesthesia with halogenated hydrocarbons or cyclopropane.

Cardiovascular Palpitation; tachycardia; precordial pain; cardiac arrhythmias; hypertension. CNS Headache; insomnia; sweating; nervousness; vertigo; confusion; delirium; restlessness; anxiety; tension; tremor; weakness; dizziness; hallucinations. EENT Local irritation, sneezing, rebound congestion (nasal use).

Caution patient to use topical decongestants only in acute states and not to use for more than 3 to 5 days. Inform patient that nasal burning or stinging may occur with nasal drops or spray. Caution patient not to share nasal spray container with others. Advise patient to notify health care provider if symptoms do not improve after 7 days.


Nasal Treatment of nasal congestion; promotion of nasal or sinus drainage; relief of eustachian tube congestion. PO Temporary relief of shortness of breath, tightness of chest, and wheezing caused by bronchial asthma. Eases breathing for asthma patients by reducing spasms of bronchial muscles. GI Nausea; vomiting; anorexia; dry mouth. Genitourinary Difficult and painful urination; urinary retention in men with prostatism; decreased urine formation (initial parenteral use). Respiratory Shortness of breath. Miscellaneous Pallor.

With topical decongestant form of drug, instruct patient to report the following symptoms to health care provider: headache, palpitations, tremors, sweating, faintness, insomnia, weakness. With subcutaneous form of drug, advise patient to notify health care provider of syncope, palpitations, weakness, agitation, dizziness, or chest pain. Instruct patient to take sips of water frequently, suck on ice chips or sugarless hard candy, or chew gum if dry mouth occurs.