Ephedrine is a naturally occurring phenethylamine alkaloid and sympathomimetic pharmaceutical compound. It produces both direct and indirect adrenergic effects by stimulating alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors and promoting the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve terminals.
Ephedrine is associated with cardiovascular, respiratory and nasal-decongestant pharmacological effects. Its adrenergic activity can increase heart rate and cardiac output, increase vascular tone and produce bronchodilation.
Ephedrine is an adrenergic agonist and norepinephrine-releasing agent belonging to the phenethylamine/phenylethanolamine class. The FDA substance record identifies Ephedrine, L-Ephedrine and (-)-Ephedrine as synonyms and lists the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₅NO.
The CAS Registry Number of ephedrine is 299-42-3, and its molecular weight is 165.23 g/mol.
Swapnroop Drugs and Pharmaceuticals provides Ephedrine for qualified pharmaceutical manufacturing, formulation development, research and pharmaceutical sourcing requirements, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
Ephedrine has dual direct and indirect sympathomimetic activity. It stimulates alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors while also increasing norepinephrine availability through release from sympathetic nerve terminals and inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake.
Alpha-adrenergic activity contributes to vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure, while beta-adrenergic activity contributes to increased cardiac activity and bronchodilation.
Ephedrine is associated with:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | NLT 98.0% by HPLC |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| pH (1% Solution) | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 1.0% |