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akovaz

Akovaz (Ephedrine Sulfate) is a norepinephrine releasing agent used to treat Asthma, Bronchial Spasm, Orthostatic Hypotension, Rhinitis.

Ephedrine Sulfate · by Exela Pharma

Available as a generic: Ephedrine Sulfate

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Ephedrine Sulfate
Form
Injectable
Strength
Ephedrine Sulfate 25MG/5ML (5MG/ML) · Ephedrine Sulfate 50MG/ML (50MG/ML)
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Exela Pharma
FDA application
NDA208289

What is Akovaz?

From the FDA label:Ephedrine is an alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist and a norepinephrine-releasing agent. AKOVAZ (ephedrine sulfate injection) is a clear, colorless, sterile solution for intravenous injection. The chemical name of ephedrine sulfate is benzenemethanol, α-[1-(methylamino)ethyl]-, [ R -( R*,S* )]-, sulfate (2:1) (salt), and the molecular weight is 428.5 g/mol. Its structural formula is depicted below: Ephedrine sulfate is freely soluble in water and ethanol, very slightly soluble in chloroform, and practically insoluble in ether. Each mL of the 50 mg/mL strength contains ephedrine sulfate 50 mg (equivalent to 38 mg ephedrine base) in water for injection. The pH is adjusted with sodium hydroxide and/or glacial acetic acid if necessary. The pH range is 4.5 to 7.0. The 50 mg/mL vial must be diluted before intravenous administration. Each mL of the 5 mL single-dose prefilled syringe contains 5 mg (equivalent to 3.8 mg ephedrine base) and 9 mg Sodium Chloride, USP in Water for Injection. The pH range is 4.5 to 6.5. structural formula

How to use

Should be administered by trained healthcare providers ( 2.1 ) • AKOVAZ injection, 50 mg/mL, must be diluted before administration as an intravenous bolus dose. ( 2.1 ) • AKOVAZ injection, 5 mg/mL in a pre-filled syringe, is a premixed formulation. Do not dilute prior to use. ( 2.1 ) • Bolus intravenous injection: 5 mg to 10 mg as needed, not to exceed 50 mg. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 General Dosage and Administration Instructions AKOVAZ (ephedrine sulfate injection), 50 mg/mL must be diluted before administration as an intravenous bolus to achieve the desired concentration. Dilute with normal saline or 5% dextrose in water. AKOVAZ (ephedrine sulfate injection), 25 mg/5 mL (5 mg/mL) in a prefilled syringe, is a premixed formulation. Do not dilute prior to use. The single-dose prefilled syringe is intended for use in one patient during one surgical procedure. Discard any unused portion. Inspect parenteral drug products visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. 2.2 Dosing for the Treatment of Clinically Important Hypotension in the Setting of Anesthesia AKOVAZ should be administered by trained healthcare providers. The recommended dosages for the treatment of clinically important hypotension in the setting of anesthesia is an initial dose of 5 mg to 10 mg administered by intravenous bolus. Administer additional boluses…

Side effects

The following adverse reactions associated with the use of ephedrine sulfate were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting Cardiac disorders: Tachycardia, palpitations (thumping heart), reactive hypertension, bradycardia, ventricular ectopics, R-R variability Nervous system disorders: Dizziness Psychiatric disorders: Restlessness Most common adverse reactions during treatment: nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC at 1-888-451-4321 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Warnings

Important safety information

Pressor Effects with Concomitant Use with Oxytocic Drugs : Pressor effect of sympathomimetic pressor amines is potentiated ( 5.1 ) • Tachyphylaxis and Tolerance : Repeated administration of ephedrine may cause tachyphylaxis ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Pressor Effect with Concomitant Oxytocic Drugs Serious postpartum hypertension has been described in patients who received both a vasopressor (i.e., methoxamine, phenylephrine, ephedrine) and an oxytocic (i.e., methylergonovine, ergonovine) [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Some of these patients experienced a stroke. Carefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both ephedrine and an oxytocic. 5.2 Tolerance and Tachyphylaxis Data indicate that repeated administration of ephedrine can result in tachyphylaxis. Clinicians treating anesthesia-induced hypotension with AKOVAZ (ephedrine sulfate injection) should be aware of the possibility of tachyphylaxis and should be prepared with an alternative pressor to mitigate unacceptable responsiveness. 5.3 Risk of Hypertension When Used Prophylactically When used to prevent hypotension, ephedrine has been associated with an increased incidence of hypertension compared with when ephedrine is used to treat hypotension.

Who should not take Akovaz

None None ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Overdose of ephedrine can cause a rapid rise in blood pressure. In the case of an overdose, careful monitoring of blood pressure is recommended. If blood pressure continues to rise to an unacceptable level, parenteral antihypertensive agents can be administered at the discretion of the clinician.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

Interactions that Augment the Pressor Effect Oxytocin and oxytocic drugs Clinical Impact: Serious postpartum hypertension has been described in patients who received both a vasopressor (i.e., methoxamine, phenylephrine, ephedrine) and an oxytocic (i.e., methylergonovine, ergonovine). Some of these patients experienced a stroke. Intervention: Carefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both ephedrine and an oxytocic. Clonidine, propofol, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), atropine Clinical Impact: These drugs augment the pressor effect of ephedrine. Intervention: Carefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both ephedrine and any of these drugs. Interactions that Antagonize the Pressor Effect Clinical Impact: These drugs antagonize the pressor effect of ephedrine. Intervention: Carefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both ephedrine and any of these drugs. Examples: α-adrenergic antagonists, β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, reserpine, quinidine, mephentermine Other Drug Interactions Guanethidine Clinical Impact: Ephedrine may inhibit the neuron blockage produced by guanethidine, resulting in loss of antihypertensive effectiveness. Intervention: Clinician should monitor patient for blood pressor response and adjust the dosage or choice of pressor accordingly. Rocuronium Clinical Impact: Ephedrine may reduce the onset time of neuromuscular blockade when used for intubation with rocuronium if administered simultaneously with anesthetic induction. Intervention: Be aware of this potential interaction. No treatment or other interventions are needed. Epidural anesthesia Clinical Impact: Ephedrine may decrease the efficacy of epidural blockade by hastening the regression of sensory analgesia. Intervention: Monitor and treat the patient according to clinical practice. Theophylline Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of ephedrine may increase the frequency of nausea, nervousness, and insomnia. Intervention: Monitor patient for worsening symptoms and manage symptoms according to clinical practice. Cardiac glycosides Clinical Impact: Giving ephedrine with a cardiac glycoside, such as digitalis, may increase the possibility of arrhythmias. Intervention: Carefully monitor patients on cardiac glycosides who are also administered ephedrine. • Interactions that Augment Pressor Effect : clonidine, oxytocin and oxytocic drugs, propofol, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and atropine. Monitor blood pressure. ( 7 ) • Interactions that Antagonize the Pressor Effect : Antagonistic effects with α-adrenergic antagonists, β-adrenergic antagonists, reserpine, quinidine, mephentermine. Monitor blood pressure. ( 7 ) • Guanethidine : Ephedrine may inhibit the neuron blockage produced by guanethidine, resulting in loss of antihypertensive effectiveness. Monitor blood pressure and adjust the dosage of pressor accordingly. • Rocuronium : Ephedrine may reduce the onset time of neuromuscular blockade when used for intubation with rocuronium if administered simultaneously with anesthetic induction. Be aware of this potential interaction. No treatment or other interventions are needed. • Epidural anesthesia : Ephedrine may decrease the efficacy of epidural blockade by hastening the regression of sensory analgesia. Monitor and treat the patient according to clinical practice. • Theophylline : Concomitant use of ephedrine may increase the frequency of nausea, nervousness, and insomnia. Monitor patient for worsening symptoms and manage symptoms according to clinical practice. • Cardiac glycosides : Giving ephedrine with a cardiac glycoside, such as digitalis, may increase the possibility of arrhythmias. Carefully monitor patients on cardiac glycosides who are also administered ephedrine.

Drug class

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

See how Akovaz ranks — best-rated norepinephrine releasing agent for:

Dosage forms

Injectable

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

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Frequently asked questions

What does Akovaz treat?
Akovaz (Ephedrine Sulfate) may be used to treat asthma, bronchial spasm, orthostatic hypotension, rhinitis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
Is there a coupon or discount for Akovaz?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Akovaz. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Akovaz?
Akovaz is marketed by Exela Pharma. You can see Exela Pharma's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Akovaz a brand-name or generic drug?
Akovaz is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Ephedrine Sulfate. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Ephedrine Sulfate are available — ask your pharmacist.
Is Akovaz available over the counter?
No. Akovaz is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Akovaz come in?
Akovaz is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Akovaz?
Akovaz is classified as norepinephrine releasing agent, alpha-adrenergic agonist, beta-adrenergic agonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Akovaz FDA-registered?
Akovaz is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA208289. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Akovaz safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Akovaz. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Akovaz?
Akovaz's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions associated with the use of ephedrine sulfate were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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