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 • Dec. 31, 2021

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

From Washington Times • Apr. 4, 2021

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

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2015

Oxilophrine has similar properties to ephedrine, although it has a different chemical structure, and both are on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list.

From Reuters • Jul. 14, 2013

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