Drug reference
Nasal congestion | Sinusitis affecting the maxillary antrum ▶BY INTRANASAL ADMINISTRATION ▶Child 12–17 years: Apply 1–2 drops up to 4 times a day as required for a maximum of 7 days, to be instilled into each nostril, administer ephedrine 0.5% nasal drops ▶Adult: Apply 1–2 drops up to 4 times a day as required for a maximum of 7 days, to be instilled into each nostril
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Avoid excessive or prolonged use. cardiovascular disease (in children). diabetes mellitus. elderly. hypertension. hyperthyroidism. ischaemic heart disease (in adults). prostatic hypertrophy (risk of acute urinary retention) (in adults)
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For nasal drops, the BP directs that if no strength is specified 0.5% drops should be supplied. l PROFESSION SPECIFIC INFORMATION Dental practitioners’ formulary Ephedrine nasal drops may be prescribed.
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Ephedrine nasal drops can be sold to the public provided no more than 180 mg of ephedrine base (or salts) are supplied at one time, and pseudoephedrine salts are not supplied at the same time; for conditions that apply to supplies made at the request of a patient, see Medicines, Ethics and Practice, London, Pharmaceutical Press (always consult latest edition).
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CHM/MHRA ADVICE The CHM/MHRA has stated that non-prescription cough and cold medicines containing ephedrine can be considered for up to 5 days’ treatment in children aged 6–12 years after basic principles of best care have been tried; these medicines should not be used in children under 6 years of age.
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→Appendix 1: sympathomimetics, vasoconstrictor
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▶Common or very common Anxiety. headache. insomnia. nausea ▶Frequency not known Appetite decreased. arrhythmia. circulation impaired. dermatitis. dizziness. drug dependence. dry mouth. dyspnoea. hallucination. hyperglycaemia. hyperhidrosis. hypersalivation. hypertension. hypokalaemia. hypotension. irritability. muscle weakness. mydriasis. pain. palpitations. paranoia . piloerection. rebound congestion. syncope. thirst. tremor. urinary disorders. vasoconstriction. vasodilation. vomiting
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Manufacturer advises avoid.
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Present in milk; manufacturer advises avoid—irritability and disturbed sleep reported.
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Forms available from special-order manufacturers include: nasal drops Nasal drops ▶Ephedrine hydrochloride (Non-proprietary) Ephedrine hydrochloride 5 mg per 1 ml Ephedrine 0.5% nasal drops | 10 ml p £1.90 DT = £1.90 Ephedrine hydrochloride 10 mg per 1 ml Ephedrine 1% nasal drops | 10 ml p £1.94 DT = £1.94
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Apply 1–2 drops up to 4 times a day as
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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Apply 1–2 drops up to 4 times a day as required
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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