During the examination, doctors often prescribe patients to take the drug "Ephedrine." What is this medicine? What properties does it have? What diseases can be eliminated with it? Is this remedy really addictive? These questions interest many people.
Ephedrine: what is it? The composition and properties of the drug
This drug is available in various forms - these are tablets (including for children), solutions for injection, as well as nasal drops. The main active substance is ephedrine, which stimulates alpha and beta adenoreceptors.
In fact, this substance has a lot of useful properties. In particular, it acts on the bronchi, contributes to the narrowing of the dilated vessels, increases the tone of skeletal muscles. In addition, after taking the drug, there is an increase in blood glucose, an expansion of the pupils of the eye and an increase in myocardial contractions. Along with this, this drug stimulates the nervous system.
Indications for use of the drug
There are many disorders and diseases for the treatment of which Ephedrine is used. What are these diseases? Since the drug constricts blood vessels, it is prescribed for catarrhal and vasomotor rhinitis, allergic reactions. Indications for its use are arterial hypotension caused by shock conditions, severe blood loss, trauma, and surgery.
This medicine quickly relieves itching and swelling with urticaria. It is also used to treat bronchitis. Ephedrine eye drops are used in modern ophthalmology - they make it possible to quickly expand the pupil and conduct diagnostics. In some cases, the drug is prescribed for patients with depression, because it acts as a stimulant.
Despite the fact that you can buy "Ephedrine" without a prescription, it is strictly forbidden to use it voluntarily. It is almost impossible to independently choose the right dosage and the regimen of admission. The medicine can be used only as directed by the attending physician.
Contraindications and side effects
Of course, there are some violations in which the use of Ephedrine is prohibited. What are these diseases? To begin with, it is worth noting that the drug is prohibited for people with hypersensitivity, as well as for patients with ventricular fibrillation, tachycardia, arterial hypertension and insomnia.
Myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, diabetes mellitus, embolism, prostate hyperplasia, atherosclerosis - all these diseases are contraindications to the use of this tool.
Taking a medication can affect the body. Some patients experience nausea, vomiting, heartburn, a feeling of dry mouth and throat, and decreased appetite. The medicine may affect the functioning of the nervous system, causing nervousness, anxiety, hallucinations, headaches, dizziness, and weakness. Side effects include an increase or a sharp decrease in blood pressure, pain during urination, muscle cramps, tremors and cramps, increased drowsiness, sudden changes in mood.
The drug "Ephedrine": the consequences of long-term use
Of course, the main disadvantage of such a drug is a quick addiction to it, which is especially often produced with uncontrolled intake. Drug withdrawal is accompanied by weakness and lethargy, increased irritability. Sometimes there is a violation of the brain, memory impairment , impaired concentration. Addicted patients become more irritable and aggressive, and sometimes become depressed. That is why all drugs containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine should be taken only as directed by a doctor and in accurate doses.