Ephedrine
The chemical compound ephedrine is an alkaloid derived from a shrub in the family Ephedraceae, commonly known as ephedra. It is closely related to methamphetamine and other phenethylamines.
It is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system, and is widely used as a nasal decongestant and a treatment for asthma.
Ephedrine is found in many popular weight control products, some of which the FDA believes may be hazardous. Most of the serious injuries associated with ephedrine involve high blood pressure that can cause bleeding in brain, a stroke or a heart attack.
The traditional Chinese herb ma huang, or ephedra sinica, contains natural ephedrine and is often used in health supplements.
Ephedrine is commonly used in clandestine methamphetamine labs. There are several methods for converting ephedrine into methamphetamine.
| NAME | Ephedrine |
| CHEMICAL NAME | alpha-[1-(Methylamino)ethyl]benzene-methanol | ALTERNATE CHEMICAL NAME | alpha-[1-(methylamino)ethyl]benzyl alcohol |
| CHEMICAL FORMULA | MOLECULAR WEIGHT | 165.24 |
| MELTING POINT (hydrocholoride) | 187-188 |