Ephedrine

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** An alkaloid that is an hydroxylated form of phenethylamineand sympathomimetic amine, with potential bronchodilatory and anti-hypotensive activities. Following administration, ephedrine activates post-synaptic noradrenergic receptors. Activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors in the vasculature induces vasoconstriction, and activation of beta-adrenergic receptors in the lungs leads to bronchodilation.

**Synonyms:** - (-)-Ephedrine - EPHEDRINE - EPHEDRINE - [R-(R*,S*)]-alpha-[1-(Methylamino)ethyl]benzenemethanol - [R-(R*,S*)]-alpha-[1-(Methylamino)ethyl]benzenemethanol