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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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Ephedrine
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INFOTEXT
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1992-09-02
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Drug that acts like adrenaline on the
sympathetic nervous system (sympathomimetic).
Once used to relieve bronchospasm in asthma,
it has been superseded by safer, more
specific drugs. It is contained in some cold
remedies as a decongestant. Side effects
include rapid heartbeat, tremor, dry mouth,
and anxiety. Ephedrine is an alkaloid,
C10H15NO1, derived from Asian gymnosperms
(genus Ephedra) or synthesized. It is
sometimes misused; in 1990 an Australian
truck driver collided with a coach after
taking ephedrine to stay awake. Excess leads
to mental confusion and increased confidence
in one's own capabilities as they actually
decline.