ephedrine
Noun: A white, odorless, powdered or crystalline alkaloid substance. It is naturally obtained from plants of the genus Ephedra (particularly Ephedra sinica) or produced synthetically. Its primary medical use is as a bronchodilator to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs.
Ephedrine is used as a medication and is subject to regulation. * The doctor prescribed ephedrine to help manage her asthma symptoms. * Ephedrine is a common ingredient in some decongestants. * The use of ephedrine as a stimulant in sports is banned.
- Chemical precursor: In illicit drug manufacturing, ephedrine can be used as a precursor chemical in the synthesis of methamphetamine.
- Authorities seized a large quantity of ephedrine intended for illegal drug production.
- Ephedra (n): The genus of plants from which ephedrine is naturally derived.
- Ephedra sinica is a common source of natural ephedrine.
- Pseudoephedrine (n): A closely related chemical compound, also used as a decongestant but with different regulatory controls.
- Pseudoephedrine is found in many over-the-counter cold medicines.
- Bronchodilator (n): A general term for a substance that widens the bronchi, like ephedrine.
- Decongestant (n): A type of medication that relieves nasal congestion; ephedrine has decongestant properties.
- Alkaloid (n): A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain basic nitrogen atoms; ephedrine is one example.
While its primary definition is medical, the word "ephedrine" strongly implies a context of pharmacology, chemistry, or regulated substances. It is not used in everyday conversation outside of these specific contexts.
- white odorless powdered or crystalline alkaloid from plants of the genus Ephedra (especially Ephedra sinica) or made synthetically; used as a bronchodilator to treat bronchitis and asthma