Are you or someone you know scheduled to have surgery? At such times, we are given anesthesia so that we do not feel pain during the surgery, right? When that anesthesia is given, some people's blood pressure can suddenly drop. This is a common occurrence. So, at such times, we are going to talk about a special injection that doctors use to bring the lowered blood pressure back to normal.
So what is this ephedrine?
Simply put, ephedrine is a drug that is given to a patient under anesthesia during surgery to restore their blood pressure if it drops. This is not a drug that we can buy at a pharmacy and take home. It is something that is only given as an injection into a vein, in a hospital or clinic, by a doctor or a trained medical staff member.
The most important thing is that this is only used in a controlled medical environment. This means that this medicine is given while your condition is constantly monitored.
This medicine may come under different brand names, such as AKOVAZ and CORPHEDRA, but they all contain the same active ingredient, ephedrine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving this medicine
Before you undergo surgery, your doctor will ask you about your health. If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor. This is because ephedrine can interact with these conditions.
| Your medical condition or condition | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) | Ephedrine can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Glaucoma | Since it can increase eye pressure, glaucoma may worsen. |
| Any type of heart disease | This medication directly affects heart rate and rhythm, so it is essential to inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease. |
| High blood pressure | If this medicine is given to someone who already has high blood pressure, the pressure can rise to dangerous levels. |
| High thyroid levels | This medication may have an unwanted effect on the heart rate of people with high thyroid hormone levels. |
| Allergies to ephedrine or other medications or foods | If you have had an allergic reaction before, there is a risk of having such a reaction again. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the baby during pregnancy. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | Since the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, you should inform your doctor about it. |
What to do if you overdose?
Since this is a medicine given in a hospital, the chances of an overdose are usually very low. Because it is administered under control. However, if there is any suspicion that such a thing has happened, the medical staff will take the necessary steps immediately. In general, if you want to know about any drug overdose in our country, you can call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital and get advice. Also, in any emergency, the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) is the one that is referred.
Can there be problems with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, it definitely can. Some medications you take may react with ephedrine, changing its effectiveness or increasing its side effects. This is what we call a drug interaction.
Therefore, you should tell your doctor about the following medications you are taking:
- Atropine
- Some medications for blood pressure, heart disease, and irregular heartbeat
- Clonidine
- Digoxin
- MAOIs (medicines such as Marplan, Nardil, Parnate, which are used to treat conditions such as depression)
- Methylergonovine
- Oxytocin
- Propofol
- Rocuronium
- Theophylline
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, it is extremely important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (whether prescribed by other doctors or purchased from a pharmacy), herbal products you are using, vitamins, and whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs before your surgery.
What side effects are possible?
Like any medication, ephedrine can have side effects. However, you will be closely monitored while taking this medication, so the medical team is ready to treat any problems quickly.
| Type of side effect | Expected features |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to medical staff immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate rhythm | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling like you might pass out. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness | Dizziness . |
| Nausea and vomiting | Stomach upset and vomiting. |
| Restlessness | Feeling restless and restless. |
This list does not include all possible side effects, so if you have any questions or concerns about this medication, please feel free to ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Ephedrine is not a home remedy. It is only given in the hospital to control low blood pressure during surgery.
- Before you have surgery, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have (such as diabetes, heart disease, allergies) and all medications you are taking.
- This medication is given by a medical professional, and your condition (heart rate, blood pressure) will be closely monitored during this time.
- Be aware of serious side effects such as allergic reactions or changes in heart rate, and notify medical staff immediately if you experience any of these.
- If you have any questions about your health or the treatment you are receiving, never hesitate to talk to your doctor.
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