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

A new Mississippi law eliminates the requirement for a prescription to buy decongestants that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Times

The Greenwood Commonwealth on allowing the sale of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine cold and sinus medications without a prescription:

From Washington Times

A Neanderthal burial site discovered in the 1960s contained branches of a bush known to contain ephedrine, commonly used to treat breathing ailments, and several wildflowers that also have medicinal properties.

From New York Times

Maradona’s final World Cup appearance was in 1994 in the United States, but he was removed following two matches after testing positive for ephedrine, a stimulant, and later received a 15-month ban.

From Los Angeles Times