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ephedrine
(ә-fed´rin)
(ef´ә-drin)
an adrenergic alkaloid obtained from several species of the shrub Ephedra or produced synthetically; used as a bronchodilator, antiasthmatic, central nervous system stimulant, and pressor agent. Administered orally, parenterally, or intranasally as the hydrochloride, sulfate, or tannate salt. It has also been
used in numerous supplements, with claimed benefits including weight loss, increased energy, and enhanced athletic performance,
but has been banned from nonprescription use in the Unites States by the Food and Drug Administration after being linked to
severe and even fatal side effects.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
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