ephedrine

American  

[ih-fed-rin, ef-i-dreen, -drin] / ɪˈfɛd rɪn, ˈɛf ɪˌdrin, -drɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline alkaloid, C 10 H 15 N, obtained from a species of Ephedra or synthesized: used in medicine chiefly for the treatment of asthma, hay fever, and colds.

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ephedrine British  

/ ɪˈfɛdrɪn, -drɪn, ˈɛfɪˌdriːn /

noun

1. a white crystalline alkaloid obtained from plants of the genus Ephedra: used for the treatment of asthma and hay fever; l-phenyl-2-methylaminopropanol. Formula: C 6 H 5 CH(OH)CH(NHCH 3 )CH 3

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ephedrine Scientific  

/ ĭ-fĕd′rĭn,ĕf′ĭ-drēn′ /

1. A white, odorless, powdered or crystalline alkaloid isolated from shrubs of the genus Ephedra or made synthetically. It is used in the treatment of allergies and asthma. Chemical formula: C ₁₀ H ₁₅ NO.

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Etymology

Origin of ephedrine

1885–90; < New Latin Ephedr ( a ) ephedra + -ine ²

Compare meaning

How does ephedrine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ephedra vs. ephedrine
• pseudoephedrine vs. ephedrine

Example Sentences

It will eliminate the prescription requirement for decongestants containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.

From Washington Times • Apr. 4, 2021

The ingredient initially used to make it, ephedrine, was first synthesized in 1887 and later used to treat asthma.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2018

"India is legally doing business, but African nations should be checking if the amounts ordered are in line with what is needed by the different factories using ephedrine," said UNODC's Lapaque.

From Reuters • Jul. 24, 2015

A national database collects information on every person who buys cold medication containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine.

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2015

Ephedra’s small, scale-like leaves are the source of the compound ephedrine, which is used in medicine as a potent decongestant.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013