Evidence supporting the use of: Ephedrine
For the health condition: Hypotension

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Ephedrine is scientifically validated for use in treating hypotension, particularly in acute clinical settings. Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that acts primarily by increasing the release of norepinephrine, leading to vasoconstriction and an increase in blood pressure. It has been widely used in anesthesia to treat intraoperative hypotension, especially in cases where hypotension is caused by spinal or epidural anesthesia. The drug can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly, with rapid onset of action.

Multiple clinical studies and guidelines support the use of ephedrine for this specific purpose. For example, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and other anesthesia textbooks recommend ephedrine as a first-line agent for managing hypotension due to its dual action of increasing heart rate and vascular tone. Compared to pure alpha-agonists like phenylephrine, ephedrine is less likely to cause reflex bradycardia, which can be advantageous in certain patients. However, its use is generally limited to acute, short-term management in hospital settings rather than for chronic hypotension.

While its use has declined somewhat with the introduction of newer agents and owing to concerns about arrhythmias and other side effects, ephedrine remains an evidence-based option for the immediate treatment of hypotension in perioperative and emergency contexts. There is robust clinical documentation in the literature supporting its efficacy and safety profile when used appropriately.

More about Ephedrine
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