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Previous Volume 338:1927 June 25, 1998 Number 26 Next

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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 -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

References

1. Greaves MW. Review of: Dermatology in emergency care. N Engl J Med 1998;338:478-478. [Free Full Text]

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