ephedrine

Etymology

From ephedra + -ine.

noun

1. (biochemistry, pharmacology) A crystalline alkaloid drug C₁₀H₁₅NO obtained from a Chinese ephedra (Ephedra sinica) or synthesized that has the physiological action of epinephrine. It causes constriction of the blood vessels and widening of the bronchial passages and is used in the form of its hydrochloride or sulfate to relieve asthma and hay fever.
   The great advantage of ephedrine is its effectiveness if taken as a pill, whereas adrenaline works only if injected or inhaled. 2003, Samuel H. Barondes, chapter 5, in Better than Prozac, Oxford University Press, page 63