Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Furosemide
Severity: Minor
Ephedrine and Furosemide: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Furosemide-induced potassium loss may be compounded by ephedrine's beta-adrenergic effects, leading to lower serum potassium. Hypokalemia can predispose to arrhythmias, though the effect with ephedrine is usually modest. Ephedrine may also partially oppose the blood pressure lowering effect of the diuretic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Furosemide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ephedrine belongs to Cardiovascular; Furosemide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Renal potassium wasting from furosemide combined with beta-adrenergic stimulated intracellular potassium shift from ephedrine.
What to do
Check serum potassium if ephedrine is used repeatedly or at high doses in patients on furosemide, particularly those with cardiac disease.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Furosemide
- Amifostine + Furosemide Major
- Amikacin + Furosemide Major
- Carbenoxolone + Furosemide Major
- Cephaloridine + Furosemide Major
- Cisplatin + Furosemide Major
- Digoxin + Furosemide Major
Other interactions of Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ephedrine with Furosemide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ephedrine and Furosemide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Furosemide-induced potassium loss may be compounded by ephedrine's beta-adrenergic effects, leading to lower serum potassium. Hypokalemia can predispose to arrhythmias, though the effect with ephedrine is usually modest. Ephedrine may also partially oppose the blood pressure lowering effect of the diuretic.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Furosemide?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check serum potassium if ephedrine is used repeatedly or at high doses in patients on furosemide, particularly those with cardiac disease.
What other medicines interact with Furosemide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Furosemide with, for example, Amifostine, Amikacin, Carbenoxolone. The full list is on the Furosemide page.
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