EPHEDRINE SULFATE injection, solution

Ephedrine Sulfate by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Ephedrine Sulfate by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Sagent Pharmaceuticals. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Ephedrine Sulfate Injection is indicated for the treatment of clinically important hypotension occurring in the setting of anesthesia.

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    2.1 General Dosage and Administration Instructions

    Ephedrine sulfate injection, 50 mg per mL must be diluted before administration as an intravenous bolus to achieve the desired concentration. Dilute with normal saline or 5% dextrose in water.

    Inspect parenteral drug products visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

    2.2 Dosing for the Treatment of Clinically Important Hypotension in the Setting of Anesthesia

    Ephedrine sulfate injection should be administered by trained healthcare providers.

    The recommended dosages for the treatment of clinically important hypotension in the setting of anesthesia is an initial dose of 5 mg to 10 mg administered by intravenous bolus. Administer additional boluses as needed, not to exceed a total dosage of 50 mg.

    • Adjust dosage according to the blood pressure goal (i.e., titrate to effect).

    2.3 Prepare a 5 mg per mL Solution for Bolus Intravenous Administration

    For bolus intravenous administration, prepare a solution containing a final concentration of 5 mg per mL of ephedrine sulfate injection:

    • Withdraw 50 mg (1 mL of 50 mg per mL) of ephedrine sulfate injection and dilute with 9 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection.
    • Withdraw an appropriate dose of the 5 mg per mL solution prior to bolus intravenous administration.
  • 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Ephedrine Sulfate Injection, USP is a clear, colorless, sterile solution for intravenous injection available as:

    single-dose 1 mL vial that contains 50 mg per mL ephedrine sulfate, equivalent to 38 mg per mL of ephedrine base.

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

    None

  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 Pressor Effect with Concomitant Oxytocic Drugs

    Serious postpartum hypertension has been described in patients who received both a vasopressor (i.e., methoxamine, phenylephrine, ephedrine) and an oxytocic (i.e., methylergonovine, ergonovine) [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Some of these patients experienced a stroke. Carefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both ephedrine and an oxytocic.

    5.2 Tolerance and Tachyphylaxis

    Data indicate that repeated administration of ephedrine can result in tachyphylaxis. Clinicians treating anesthesia-induced hypotension with ephedrine sulfate should be aware of the possibility of tachyphylaxis and should be prepared with an alternative pressor to mitigate unacceptable responsiveness.

    5.3 Risk of Hypertension When Used Prophylactically

    When used to prevent hypotension, ephedrine has been associated with an increased incidence of hypertension compared with when ephedrine is used to treat hypotension.

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following adverse reactions associated with the use of ephedrine sulfate were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

    Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting

    Cardiac disorders: Tachycardia, palpitations (thumping heart), reactive hypertension, bradycardia, ventricular ectopics, R-R variability

    Nervous system disorders: Dizziness

    Psychiatric disorders: Restlessness

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Interactions that Augment the Pressor Effect
    Oxytocin and oxytocic drugs
    Clinical Impact:Serious postpartum hypertension has been described in patients who received both a vasopressor (i.e., methoxamine, phenylephrine, ephedrine) and an oxytocic (i.e., methylergonovine, ergonovine). Some of these patients experienced a stroke.
    Intervention:Carefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both ephedrine and an oxytocic.
    Clonidine, propofol, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), atropine
    Clinical Impact:These drugs augment the pressor effect of ephedrine.
    Intervention:Carefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both ephedrine and any of these drugs.
    Interactions that Antagonize the Pressor Effect
    Clinical Impact:These drugs antagonize the pressor effect of ephedrine.
    Intervention:Carefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both ephedrine and any of these drugs.
    Examples:α-adrenergic antagonists, β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, reserpine, quinidine, mephentermine.
    Other Drug Interactions
    Guanethidine
    Clinical Impact:Ephedrine may inhibit the neuron blockage produced by guanethidine, resulting in loss of antihypertensive effectiveness.
    Intervention:Clinician should monitor patient for blood pressor response and adjust the dosage or choice of pressor accordingly.
    Rocuronium
    Clinical Impact:Ephedrine may reduce the onset time of neuromuscular blockade when used for intubation with rocuronium if administered simultaneously with anesthetic induction.
    Intervention:Be aware of this potential interaction. No treatment or other interventions are needed.
    Epidural anesthesia
    Clinical Impact:Ephedrine may decrease the efficacy of epidural blockade by hastening the regression of sensory analgesia.
    Intervention:Monitor and treat the patient according to clinical practice.
    Theophylline
    Clinical Impact:Concomitant use of ephedrine may increase the frequency of nausea, nervousness, and insomnia.
    Intervention:Monitor patient for worsening symptoms and manage symptoms according to clinical practice.
    Cardiac glycosides
    Clinical Impact:Giving ephedrine with a cardiac glycoside, such as digitalis, may increase the possibility of arrhythmias.
    Intervention:Carefully monitor patients on cardiac glycosides who are also administered ephedrine.
  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Risk Summary

    Available data from randomized studies, case series, and reports of ephedrine sulfate use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. However, there are clinical considerations due to underlying conditions (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, decreased fetal survival and fetal body weights were observed in the presence of maternal toxicity after normotensive pregnant rats were administered 60 mg/kg intravenous ephedrine sulfate (12 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 50 mg/day). No malformations or embryo-fetal adverse effects were observed when pregnant rats or rabbits were treated with intravenous bolus doses of ephedrine sulfate during organogenesis at doses 1.9 and 7.7 times the MRHD, respectively [see data].

    The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

    Clinical Considerations

    Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo-fetal risk

    Untreated hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is associated with an increase in maternal nausea and vomiting. A decrease in uterine blood flow due to maternal hypotension may result in fetal bradycardia and acidosis.

    Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

    Cases of potential metabolic acidosis in newborns at delivery with maternal ephedrine exposure have been reported in the literature. These reports describe umbilical artery pH of ≤7.2 at the time of delivery [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Monitoring of the newborn for signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis may be required. Monitoring of infant's acid‐base status is warranted to ensure that an episode of acidosis is acute and reversible.

    Data

    Animal Data

    Decreased fetal body weights were observed when pregnant rats were administered intravenous bolus doses of 60 mg/kg ephedrine sulfate (12 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 50 mg based on body surface area) from Gestation Day 6 to 17. This dose was associated with evidence of maternal toxicity (decreased body weight of dams and abnormal head movements). No malformations or fetal deaths were noted at this dose. No effects on fetal body weight were noted at 10 mg/kg (1.9 times the MRHD of 50 mg).

    No evidence of malformations or embryo-fetal toxicity were noted in pregnant rabbits administered intravenous bolus doses up to 20 mg/kg ephedrine sulfate (7.7 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 50 mg based on body surface area) from Gestation Day 6 to 20. This dose was associated with expected pharmacological maternal effects (increased respiration rate, dilated pupils, piloerection).

    Decreased fetal survival and body weights in the presence of maternal toxicity (increased mortality) were noted when pregnant dams were administered intravenous bolus doses of 60 mg/kg epinephrine sulfate (approximately 12 times the MRHD based on body surface area) from GD 6 through Lactation Day 20. No adverse effects were noted at 10 mg/kg (1.9 times the MRHD).

    8.2 Lactation

    Risk Summary

    A single published case report indicates that ephedrine is present in human milk. However, no information is available on the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for ephedrine sulfate and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from ephedrine sulfate or from the underlying maternal condition.

    8.4 Pediatric Use

    The safety and effectiveness of ephedrine sulfate in pediatric patients have not been established.

    Animal Toxicity Data

    In a study in which juvenile rats were administered intravenous bolus doses of 2, 10, or 60 mg/kg ephedrine sulfate daily from Postnatal Day 35 to 56, an increased incidence of mortality was noted at the high dose of 60 mg/kg. The no-adverse-effect level was 10 mg/kg (approximately 1.9 times a maximum daily dose of 50 mg in a 60 kg person based on body surface area).

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    Clinical studies of ephedrine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

    8.6 Renal Impairment

    Ephedrine and its metabolite are excreted in urine. In patients with renal impairment, excretion of ephedrine is likely to be affected with a corresponding increase in elimination half-life, which will lead to slow elimination of ephedrine and consequently prolonged pharmacological effect and potentially adverse reactions. Monitor patients with renal impairment carefully after the initial bolus dose for adverse events.

  • 10 OVERDOSAGE

    Overdose of ephedrine can cause a rapid rise in blood pressure. In the case of an overdose, careful monitoring of blood pressure is recommended. If blood pressure continues to rise to an unacceptable level, parenteral antihypertensive agents can be administered at the discretion of the clinician.

  • 11 DESCRIPTION

    Ephedrine is an alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist and a norepinephrine-releasing agent. Ephedrine Sulfate Injection, USP is a clear, colorless, sterile solution for intravenous injection. The chemical name of ephedrine sulfate is (1R,2S)-(-)-2-methylamine-1-phenylpropan-1-ol sulfate, and the molecular weight is 428.5 g/mol. Its structural formula is depicted below:

    Structural Formula

    Ephedrine sulfate is freely soluble in water and ethanol, very slightly soluble in chloroform, and practically insoluble in ether.

    Each mL of the 50 mg per mL strength contains ephedrine sulfate 50 mg (equivalent to 38 mg ephedrine base) in water for injection. The pH is adjusted with sodium hydroxide and/or glacial acetic acid if necessary. The pH range is 4.5 to 7.0. The 50 mg per mL vial must be diluted before intravenous administration.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    Ephedrine sulfate is a sympathomimetic amine that directly acts as an agonist at α- and ß-adrenergic receptors and indirectly causes the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons. Pressor effects by direct alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor activation are mediated by increases in arterial pressures, cardiac output, and peripheral resistance. Indirect adrenergic stimulation is caused by norepinephrine release from sympathetic nerves.

    12.2 Pharmacodynamics

    Ephedrine stimulates heart rate and cardiac output and variably increases peripheral resistance; as a result, ephedrine usually increases blood pressure. Stimulation of the α-adrenergic receptors of smooth muscle cells in the bladder base may increase the resistance to the outflow of urine. Activation of ß-adrenergic receptors in the lungs promotes bronchodilation.

    The overall cardiovascular effect from ephedrine is the result of a balance among α-1 adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction, ß-2 adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction, and ß-2 adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilatation. Stimulation of the ß-1 adrenoceptors results in positive inotrope and chronotrope action.

    Tachyphylaxis to the pressor effects of ephedrine may occur with repeated administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    Publications studying pharmacokinetics of oral administration of (-)-ephedrine support that (-)-ephedrine is metabolized into norephedrine. However, the metabolism pathway is unknown. Both the parent drug and the metabolite are excreted in urine. Limited data after IV administration of ephedrine support similar observations of urinary excretion of drug and metabolite. The plasma elimination half-life of ephedrine following oral administration was about 6 hours.

    Ephedrine crosses the placental barrier [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Carcinogenesis: Two-year feeding studies in rats and mice conducted under the National Toxicology Program (NTP) demonstrated no evidence of carcinogenic potential with ephedrine sulfate at doses up to 10 mg/kg/day and 27 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times and 3 times the maximum human recommended dose on a mg/m2 basis, respectively).

    Mutagenesis: Ephedrine sulfate tested negative in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay, the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay, the in vitro sister chromatid exchange, the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay, and the in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus assay.

    Impairment of Fertility: There was no impact on fertility or early embryonic development in a study in which male rats were administered intravenous bolus doses of 0, 2, 10, or 60 mg/kg ephedrine sulfate (up to 12 times the maximum recommended human dose of 50 mg based on body surface area) for 28 days prior to mating and through gestation and females were treated for 14 days prior to mating through Gestation Day 7.

  • 14 CLINICAL STUDIES

    The evidence for the efficacy of ephedrine injection is derived from the published literature. Increases in blood pressure following administration of ephedrine were observed in 14 studies, including 9 where ephedrine was used in pregnant women undergoing neuraxial anesthesia during Cesarean delivery, 1 study in non-obstetric surgery under neuraxial anesthesia, and 4 studies in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. Ephedrine has been shown to raise systolic and mean blood pressure when administered as a bolus dose following the development of hypotension during anesthesia.

  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    Ephedrine Sulfate Injection, USP is supplied as follows:

    NDCEphedrine Sulfate Injection, USPPackage Factor
    25021-836-01 50 mg per mL of ephedrine sulfate equivalent to 38 mg per mL of ephedrine base in a 1 mL Single-Dose Vial 25 vials per carton

    Ephedrine Sulfate Injection, USP is a clear, colorless, sterile solution for intravenous injection.

    Storage Conditions

    Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in carton until time of use. For single dose only. Discard unused portion.

    Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free.
    The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

    SAGENT®
    Mfd. for SAGENT Pharmaceuticals
    Schaumburg, IL 60195 (USA)
    Made in Germany
    ©2022 Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    August 2022

    SAGENT Pharmaceuticals®

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

    PACKAGE LABEL – PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – Vial Label

    NDC: 25021-836-01

    Rx only

    Ephedrine Sulfate Injection, USP

    50 mg per mL

    Must Be Diluted

    For Intravenous Use

    1 mL Single-Dose Vial

    Discard Unused Portion

    PACKAGE LABEL – PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – Vial Label
  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    EPHEDRINE SULFATE 
    ephedrine sulfate injection, solution
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 25021-836
    Route of AdministrationINTRAVENOUS
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    Ephedrine Sulfate (UNII: U6X61U5ZEG) (Ephedrine - UNII:GN83C131XS) Ephedrine Sulfate50 mg  in 1 mL
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    ACETIC ACID (UNII: Q40Q9N063P)  
    SODIUM HYDROXIDE (UNII: 55X04QC32I)  
    WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 25021-836-0125 in 1 CARTON04/15/2023
    11 mL in 1 VIAL; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA21452804/15/2023
    Labeler - Sagent Pharmaceuticals (796852890)
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