ephedrine

noun

ephed·​rine i-ˈfe-drən 

 British also  ˈe-fə-drən

: a crystalline alkaloid C₁₀H₁₅NO extracted from a Chinese ephedra (Ephedra sinica) or synthesized that has the physiological action of epinephrine and is usually used in the form of its hydrochloride or sulfate as a bronchodilator, nasal decongestant, and vasopressor see ma huang, pseudoephedrine

Examples of ephedrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

He and his brother, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, are believed to have inherited relationships and narcotics proceeds after one of their brother’s death, leading them to invest in marijuana, cocaine and ephedrine from Mexico, Colombia and Argentina, according to the Justice Department. —Nicole Chavez, CNN, 27 July 2024

They were also found to contain compounds including caffeine, ephedrine and kratom. —Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 18 July 2024

Additionally, the tests revealed lower levels of Valium, marijuana and ephedrine present at the time of his death. —Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 31 Oct. 2023

During the 1994 World Cup, Maradona played in just two games before doping tests found ephedrine in his urine sample. —Lewis Kamb, NBC News, 27 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Ephedra

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ephedrine

noun

ephed·​rine i-ˈfed-rən 

: a basic substance obtained from Chinese woody plants or made artificially and used as a salt in relieving hay fever, asthma, and nasal congestion

Medical Definition

ephedrine

noun

ephed·​rine

i-ˈfed-rən, British also ˈef-ə-drən

: a crystalline alkaloid C₁₀H₁₅NO extracted from a Chinese ephedra (Ephedra sinica) or synthesized that has the physiological action of epinephrine and is usually used in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅NO·HCl or sulfate (C₁₀H₁₅NO)₂·H₂SO₄ as a bronchodilator, nasal decongestant, and vasopressor see ephedra sense 2, pseudoephedrine