ephedrine

ephedrine A vasoconstricting, bronchodilating drug that is used to treat asthma and also found in over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu symptoms and in some herbal remedies (in the form of the ephedrine-containing herbs ephedra or Ma Huang). Side effects of ephedrine can include jitteriness, racing heartbeat, nausea, sleeplessness, and headache. Ephedrine misuse or abuse can be dangerous and even life-threatening, especially for people with heart conditions.