Ephedrine

An alkaloid derived from ephedra.
It has sympathomimetic properties with direct and indirect effects on adrenergic receptors.
Used parenterally to treat hypotension derived from spinal or epidural anesthesia due to its peripheral vasoconstrictor effects and improvement of heart tone.
Used orally as a bronchodilator mixed in preparations for colds, bronchitis and asthma.
Used illegaly as a psychostimulant and for weight loss, with serious health risks (van der Hoof 2002, Gruber 1998). See also information on Ephedra.

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Its large volume of distribution makes it unlikely it will pass into milk in significant amounts.

After a cesarean section with epidural anesthesia and use of ephedrine there were no side effects in 100 newborns; the time of initial breastfeeding was not delayed with respect to newborns after cesareans under general anesthesia (Havas 2013). The use of ephedrine during delivery or cesarean section is not contraindicated with the early initiation of breastfeeding: as well as the unlikely excretion in breast milk there is a low amount of colostrum obtained by the newborn in the first hours of life.

It may be desirable to minimize the continued use of oral preparations for colds/bronchitis which contain ephedrine since a case of crying, irritability and insomnia has been reported in a 3-month-old infant whose mother was taking a medication containing d-isoephedrine and dexbrompheniramine (Mortimer 1977).
Simple preparations (a single active ingredient per drug) are preferable and even more so during breastfeeding.

Abusive use as a psychostimulant or antiobesity product entails serious risks to the health of the mother and the infant and should be avoided (van der Hoof 2002, Gruber 1998).

Topical use of ephedrine (see information on topical ephedrine) as a complement to preparations for local anesthetic, dermatologicals, stomatologicals or ophthalmologicals is compatible with breastfeeding (WHO 2002).

• Ephedra (High Risk probable)
• Ephedrine Topical Use (Very Low Risk)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Ephedrine.