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Ephedrine

Prescription

Sympathomimetic Amine / Alpha-Beta Adrenergic Agonist

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Mixed-acting sympathomimetic that stimulates both α and β adrenergic receptors directly and promotes endogenous norepinephrine release. Increases blood pressure, heart rate, and urethral tone. Used for urinary incontinence and hypotension.

At a glance

Class

Sympathomimetic Amine / Alpha-Beta Adrenergic Agonist

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Primary use is female dog urinary incontinence (estrogen-responsive incontinence

Dose

1–2 mg/kg

Route

PO, IV

Frequency

q8–12h (incontinence); as needed (hypotension)

🐈

Cat

Limited feline data

Dose

2–4 mg/cat

Route

PO, IV

Frequency

q8–12h (urethral); as needed (anesthetic)

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength

—

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressureHeart rateUrine output and streamAppetite

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Selegiline (L-Deprenyl)

contraindicated

Ephedrine releases stored norepinephrine + selegiline inhibits MAO breakdown of catecholamines: massive catecholamine surge causing severe hypertension, hyperthermia, seizures.

Management: NEVER combine. Allow 2-week washout of selegiline before ephedrine.

Major — 1

Propranolol

major

Non-selective beta-blocker blocks ephedrine's beta-mediated effects leaving alpha vasoconstriction unopposed, causing severe hypertension and reflex bradycardia.

Management: Avoid. If both pressor and beta-blocker needed, use phenylephrine (pure alpha) which has predictable response with beta-blockade.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Vatronol

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Ephedrine?

Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine / alpha-beta adrenergic agonist used in pets. Mixed-acting sympathomimetic that stimulates both α and β adrenergic receptors directly and promotes endogenous norepinephrine release. Increases blood pressure, heart rate, and urethral tone. Used for urinary incontinence and hypotension.

›What is Ephedrine used for in pets?

Ephedrine is used in veterinary medicine for: Primary use is female dog urinary incontinence (estrogen-responsive incontinence; Limited feline data.

›What is the Ephedrine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Ephedrine is typically dosed as follows — Primary use is female dog urinary incontinence (estrogen-responsive incontinence: 1–2 mg/kg PO/IV q8–12h (incontinence); as needed (hypotension). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Ephedrine dose for cats?

For cats, Ephedrine is typically dosed as follows — Limited feline data: 2–4 mg/cat PO/IV q8–12h (urethral); as needed (anesthetic). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Ephedrine need a prescription?

Yes. Ephedrine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database