emerphed
Emerphed (Ephedrine Sulfate) is a norepinephrine releasing agent used to treat Asthma, Bronchial Spasm, Orthostatic Hypotension, Rhinitis.
Ephedrine Sulfate · by Nexus
Available as a generic: Ephedrine Sulfate
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Ephedrine Sulfate
- Drug class
- Norepinephrine Releasing Agent
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Ephedrine Sulfate 25MG/5ML (5MG/ML) · Ephedrine Sulfate 50MG/10ML (5MG/ML)
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- asthma, bronchial spasm, orthostatic hypotension
- Manufacturer
- Nexus
- FDA application
- NDA213407
What is Emerphed?
From the FDA label:11. DESCRIPTION EMERPHED / EMERPHED-PFS (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 contains ephedrine sulfate, USP 5 mg (equivalent to 3.8 mg ephedrine base), 0.9% sodium chloride, USP in water for injection. The pH range is 4.5 to 7.0. Structural Formula
How to use
This is a premixed formulation. Do not dilute prior to use. Discard any unused portion of EMERPHED or EMERPHED-PFS. Inspect parenteral drug products visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS is a clear, colorless solution. Do not use if the solution is not clear or if particulate matter is present. The single-dose prefilled syringe is intended for use in one patient during one surgical procedure. 2.1 General Dosage and Administration Instructions This is a premixed formulation. Do not dilute prior to use. Discard any unused portion of EMERPHED. Inspect parenteral drug products visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. The single-dose prefilled syringe is intended for use in one patient during one surgical procedure. EMERPHED is a clear, colorless solution. Do not use if the solution is not clear or if particulate matter is present. 2.2 Dosing for the Treatment of Clinically Important Hypotension in the Setting of Anesthesia 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 as needed, not to exceed a total dosage of 50 mg. Adjust dosage according to the…
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 Nexus Pharmaceuticals at (855) 642-2594 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 EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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 EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS and an oxytocic. 5.2 Tolerance and Tachyphylaxis Data indicate that repeated administration of ephedrine can result in tachyphylaxis. Be aware of this possibility when treating anesthesia-induced hypotension with EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS and 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 Emerphed
None None ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Overdose of EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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 EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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 EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS and any of these drugs. Drugs that Antagonize the Pressor Effect α-adrenergic antagonists, β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, reserpine, quinidine, mephentermine Clinical Impact: These drugs antagonize the pressor effect of ephedrine. Intervention: Carefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS and any of these drugs. Other Drug Interactions Guanethidine Clinical Impact: EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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: EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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: EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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 EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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 EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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: EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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: EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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: EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS 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 EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS may increase the frequency of nausea, nervousness, and insomnia. Monitor patient for worsening symptoms and manage symptoms according to clinical practice. Cardiac glycosides: Giving EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS with a cardiac glycoside, such as digitalis, may increase the possibility of arrhythmias. Carefully monitor patients on cardiac glycosides who are also administered EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS.
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Emerphed 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 Emerphed treat?
- Emerphed (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 Emerphed?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Emerphed. 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 Emerphed?
- Emerphed is marketed by Nexus. You can see Nexus's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Emerphed a brand-name or generic drug?
- Emerphed is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Ephedrine Sulfate. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Ephedrine Sulfate are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Emerphed available over the counter?
- No. Emerphed 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 Emerphed come in?
- Emerphed is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Emerphed?
- Emerphed is classified as norepinephrine releasing agent, alpha-adrenergic agonist, beta-adrenergic agonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Emerphed FDA-registered?
- Emerphed is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA213407. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Emerphed safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Emerphed. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Emerphed?
- Emerphed'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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