Caphedrine 15 mg/5 ml Syrup

Sympathomimetic used as:

• Injection (hospital): treatment of low blood pressure during spinal/epidural or general anaesthesia
• Nasal drops 0.5–1%: short-term relief of nasal congestion
• Oral (older products): bronchospasm — now rarely used

Injection (health professional): 3–6 mg (up to 9 mg) slow IV, repeated every 3–4 minutes as needed; maximum 30 mg (some guidance 50 mg).

Nasal drops 0.5%: adults and children over 12: 1–2 drops in each nostril up to 3–4 times daily, for no more than 7 days.

• Not for children under 12 (nasal) without medical advice.

• Use with MAO inhibitors (or within 14 days)
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe heart disease, arrhythmias
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Phaeochromocytoma, hyperthyroidism (relative)
• Allergy to ephedrine

Common: fast heartbeat, palpitations, raised blood pressure, anxiety, restlessness, tremor, insomnia, headache, nausea.

Nasal: stinging, dryness, rebound congestion with prolonged use.

Serious: arrhythmias, hypertensive crisis, urinary retention (prostate enlargement), angle-closure glaucoma.

• Heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, enlarged prostate, elderly: caution.
• Tolerance (reduced effect) with repeated doses.
• Misuse potential (stimulant).

Injection is commonly used for low blood pressure during caesarean spinal anaesthesia. Nasal drops: avoid unless needed. Avoid regular use while breastfeeding.

• MAO inhibitors, linezolid (hypertensive crisis)
• Tricyclic antidepressants, other sympathomimetics, ergot alkaloids, oxytocin (high blood pressure)
• Beta-blockers (reduced effect, high BP)
• Halogenated anaesthetics (arrhythmias)
• Dexamethasone (reduced levels); urinary alkalinisers (raise levels)

Severe high blood pressure, arrhythmia, chest pain, agitation, seizures. Emergency care.

Store below 30°C, protected from light.