ephedrine

views updated May 23 2018

e·phed·rine / əˈfedrin; ˈefəˌdrēn/ • n. Med. a crystalline alkaloid drug, C10H15NO, obtained from certain Asiatic shrubs of the genus Ephedra. It causes constriction of the blood vessels and widening of the bronchial passages and is used to relieve asthma and hay fever.

ephedrine

views updated May 23 2018

ephedrine (ef-i-drin) n. a drug that causes constriction of blood vessels and widening of the bronchial passages (see sympathomimetic). It is used mainly as a nasal decongestant, being administered (alone or in combination with other drugs) as nose drops or by mouth.

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