ephedrine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “ephedrine” mean?
A crystalline alkaloid drug obtained from plants of the genus Ephedra (or made synthetically), used as a stimulant and to relieve nasal congestion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A crystalline alkaloid drug obtained from plants of the genus Ephedra (or made synthetically), used as a stimulant and to relieve nasal congestion.
A sympathomimetic amine that stimulates the central nervous system and acts as a bronchodilator. It is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions due to its use in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Regulatory status and brand names of medications containing it may vary.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. In public discourse, often associated with debates over supplement safety and drug precursors.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language, confined to medical, pharmaceutical, and regulatory contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “ephedrine” in a Sentence
N of ephedrineephedrine + N (as modifier: ephedrine sulphate, ephedrine tablet)V + ephedrine (contain, use, synthesise, ban, restrict)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ephedrine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The ephedrine content was clearly labelled.
- An ephedrine-based decongestant.
American English
- The lab found ephedrine precursors.
- An ephedrine sulphate solution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports or discussions of supplement regulation.
Academic
Common in pharmacology, medicine, chemistry, and forensic science papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in news about drug busts or warnings about dangerous supplements.
Technical
Standard term in medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ephedrine”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ephedrine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ephedrine”
- Misspelling: 'ephedrin' (missing final 'e').
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable in American English (it's /ɪˈfɛd.rɪn/, not /ˈɛf.ɪ.driːn/).
- Using it as a general term for any stimulant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but they are structurally similar and have similar effects (stimulant, bronchodilator). Ephedrine is a plant-derived alkaloid, while adrenaline (epinephrine) is a natural human hormone.
It depends on the jurisdiction. In many countries, it is a controlled prescription medicine or its sale is strictly regulated (e.g., behind the pharmacy counter) due to its role as a precursor for illicit drugs.
It is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) because it is a potent stimulant that can enhance performance and poses health risks to athletes.
They are stereoisomers. Pseudoephedrine is more commonly used in over-the-counter decongestants (though now often restricted) as it has fewer central nervous system stimulant effects compared to ephedrine.
A crystalline alkaloid drug obtained from plants of the genus Ephedra (or made synthetically), used as a stimulant and to relieve nasal congestion.
Ephedrine is usually technical/medical in register.
Ephedrine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɛf.ɪ.driːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪˈfɛd.rɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'EPHEDrine' from the plant 'EPHEDra' used for clearing your HEAD (as a decongestant).
Conceptual Metaphor
A KEY that unlocks airways (bronchodilation) or winds up the nervous system (stimulation).
Practice
Quiz
What is ephedrine primarily used for in a medical context?