Correspondence

Correction

Ephedrine is Not Phenylephrine

N Engl J Med 1998; 338:1927June 25, 1998

Article

To the Editor:

In his review of Dermatology in Emergency Care (Feb. 12 issue),1 Dr. Greaves incorrectly uses the generic name ephedrine for a 2 percent phenylephrine spray used to treat a localized mucosal reaction. Phenylephrine hydrochloride is an α-adrenergic agonist that is useful for topical as well as intravenous vasoconstriction. It is commonly dispensed (in the United States, at least) as a 1 percent concentration. Ephedrine, a generic, indirect-acting sympathomimetic agent, is ubiquitous in perioperative care. It is dispensed in 5 percent ampules that are generally diluted before use. These drugs are therefore not equivalent.

Timothy B. Gilbert, M.D.
University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201-1595

1 References

1. 1

   Greaves MW. Review of: Dermatology in emergency care. N Engl J Med 1998;338:478-478
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