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  • Albuquerque Cat Clinic
  • 7007 Jefferson Ave NE, STE D-2,
  • Albuquerque,
  • New Mexico,
  • 87109
  • Phone: 505-323-1460
  • Email: ray@abqcatclinic.com

Ephedrine

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Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Ephedrine is used to help control urinary incontinence (urine leakage) in cats. It may also be used to open up the air passages of the lungs and to relieve nasal congestion. Ephedrine is an alpha-receptor stimulant.

How do I give this medication?medications

  • Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
  • Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
  • DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
  • DO NOT give more often than directed.

Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

"Missed doses will negate the effect of ephedrine."

Missed doses will negate the effect of ephedrine.

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
  • Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
  • Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

  • The following side effects may occur: fast heart beat, high blood pressure, tremors, restlessness, anxiety, hyperexcitability, and urine retention.
  • Contact your veterinarian if the pet becomes very restless or irritable or if incontinence increases or persists.
  • Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • The following drugs can potentially interact with ephedrine: sodium bicarbonate, amitriptyline, sympathomimetic agents (phenylpropanolamine), indomethacin, aspirin (and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents), reserpine, tricyclic antidepressants, ganglionic blocking agents, beta-blockers, and digitalis glycosides.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

REMEMBER! READ THE LABEL.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 8, 2016.