Home/Medicines/Ephedrine
All medicines

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
3

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)

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength
—
Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressureHeart rateUrine output and streamAppetite

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →