| Therapeutic doses for bronchodilation range from 12.5 to 50 mg three times per day, with maximum daily doses between 120 and 150 mg. Because of its indirect effect on neurotransmitter stores, long-term use of ephedrine can lead to tachyphylaxis. Increasing dosage can induce toxic effects, including peripheral vasconstriction and cardiac stimulation, leading to increased blood pressure and increased heart rate; adverse effects on the central nervous system include nervousness, anxiety, tremor, weakness, irritability and insomnia. These effects increase with high doses, and overdose leads to nausea, vomiting, fever, palpitations, tachycardia, hypertension, paranoid psychosis, respiratory depression, convulsions and coma. (5,6) ephedrine extraction Ephedrine is not currently classified as a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act, so no penalties apply for possession or use of small amounts. |
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