Ephedrine
Also known as: Enurace
- **Consistency is Key:** In order for this drug to be effective for urinary incontinence, it must be administered exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Missed doses will negate its effect and leaking may return. - **Patience:** It may take several days for the full benefit of the drug to take place. - **Side Effects:** Because this medication acts like a stimulant, it can cause your pet to feel "jittery". Contact your veterinarian if your pet demonstrates ongoing changes in behavior (restlessness, irritability, pacing) or if incontinence persists or increases. - **Timing:** To prevent sleep disturbances, try not to give the final dose of the day right before bedtime unless instructed otherwise. - **Appetite:** You may notice a temporary decrease in your pet's appetite.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Treatment of bronchospasm (emergency treatment)
- Treatment of urinary incontinence
- Treatment of urinary incontinence
- Treatment of urinary incontinence
- Treatment of hypotension associated with anesthesia
- Hypotension during anaesthesia
- Nasal congestion (cat 'flu')
- Treatment of bronchospasm (maintenance therapy)
- Treatment of bronchospasm
- Treatment of urinary incontinence
- Treatment of urinary incontinence
- Treatment of hypotension associated with anesthesia
- Treatment of hypotension associated with anesthesia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Anorexia
- Tachyphylaxis (decreased response to subsequent doses)
- Panting
- Mydriasis (dilated pupils)
- CNS stimulation (restlessness, agitation)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Vasoconstriction
- Reduction of intestinal wall motility and tone
Cautions & contraindications
- Severe cardiovascular disease
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Glaucoma
- Use with caution in patients with **glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, or hypertension**. When administered IV, the administration rate should be carefully controlled (in humans, not to exceed 10 mg/minute; scale appropriately for veterinary patients). **Pregnancy/Nursing:** FDA Category C. Excreted in milk and may have deleterious effects on nursing animals. Consider milk replacer if use is absolutely necessary in a nursing dam.
Drug interactions
- Acepromazine (and other phenothiazines): Phenothiazines block alpha-adrenergic receptors; concomitant use can lead to unopposed beta-activity causing vasodilation and increased cardiac rate.
- Alpha-blockers (e.g., phentolamine, prazosin): May negate the therapeutic effects of ephedrine.
- General Anesthetics (cyclopropane, halogenated hydrocarbons): Increased risk of arrhythmias. Propranolol may be administered should these occur.
- Beta-blockers: Concomitant use may diminish the effects of both drugs.
- Digoxin: Increased risk of arrhythmias if used concurrently.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (including amitraz): Should not be given within two weeks of receiving MAOIs; severe hypertension and hyperpyrexia are possible.
- Other Sympathomimetic Agents (e.g., phenylpropanolamine): Should not be administered together as increased toxicity may result.
- Reserpine: May reverse the pressor effects of ephedrine.
- Theophylline: May increase the risk for theophylline toxicity.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: May decrease the pressor effects of ephedrine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ephedrine used for in pets?
- **Consistency is Key:** In order for this drug to be effective for urinary incontinence, it must be administered exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Missed doses will negate its effect and leaking may return. - **Patience:** It may take several days for the full benefit of the drug to take place. - **Side Effects:** Because this medication acts like a stimulant, it can cause your pet to feel "jittery". Contact your veterinarian if your pet demonstrates ongoing changes in behavior (restlessness, irritability, pacing) or if incontinence persists or increases. - **Timing:** To prevent sleep disturbances, try not to give the final dose of the day right before bedtime unless instructed otherwise. - **Appetite:** You may notice a temporary decrease in your pet's appetite.
Is Ephedrine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app