Ephedrine, L-

What is it used for?

• Used as a decongestant (for common cold) [Source note 4].

• Temporarily relieves/For the temporary relief of cold/(and) flu symptoms such as nasal congestion/sinus congestion/stuffy nose/nasal stuffiness [Source note 5].

• Temporarily relieves/For the temporary relief of nasal congestion/sinus congestion/stuffy nose/nasal stuffiness (due to hay fever/allergic rhinitis/the common cold) [Source note 6].

• Nasal decongestant [Source note 7].

Note: The above uses can be combined on the product label (e.g., Nasal decongestant to temporarily relieve nasal congestion due to the common cold).

What this guide covers

Compliance with Precursor Control Regulations:

The Precursor Control Regulations (PCR) [Source note 1] allows Canada to fulfill its international obligations with respect to the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988, and provides a framework for the regulation of activities involving precursor chemicals which can be used in the production of illicit drugs and substances. Under the PCR, regulated chemicals are grouped into two classes: Class A and Class B. For Class A precursors such as ephedrine and/or products containing them, persons wishing to be involved in activities such as importation, exportation, production, packaging, selling, and/or providing must first obtain a licence.

Further information regarding compliance with the PCR, including application forms and guidance documents pertaining to the application for a Class A precursor licence, is available at [Source note 2]

Who does this guide cover?

Adolescents 12 to 17 years and adults 18 years and older

How is it taken?

Oral

Which forms are covered?

this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.

Quantities

8 – 32 milligrams l-Ephedrine per day; Not to exceed 8 milligrams per single dose [Source note 8].

How is it used?

Wait at least 4 hours between each dose [Source note 9].

How long is it used?

Ask a healthcare professional for use beyond 3 days [Source note 10].

Warnings and precautions

• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, call a poison control centre or get medical help right away [Source note 11].

• Stop use and ask a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen or last for more than 3 days [Source note 12].

• Stop use and ask a healthcare professional if symptoms are accompanied by a high fever that lasts longer than 3 days, the production of thick yellow/green phlegm, rash or a persistent headache.

• Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding [Source note 13].

• Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are taking any other cough and cold or weight control medications, or products which contain caffeine or pseudoephedrine [Source note 14].

• Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have asthma, diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, difficulty urinating, thyroid disease, seizure disorders or any other serious medical condition [Source note 15].

When should it be avoided?

Do not use with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug [Source note 16].

Possible side effects

Stop use and ask a healthcare professional if you experience severe headache, confusion, visual changes/change in vision, nervousness, dizziness, sleeplessness, difficulty or pain when urinating, or allergic reactions [Source note 17].

Storage

Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.

All products (information for industry; not for labelling).

To be packaged in airtight container, protected from light [Source note 18].