The pharmacokinetics of ephedrine after oral dosage in asthmatics receiving acute and chronic treatment.

Abstract
1 Ephedrine plasma levels have been measured in ten asthmatic patients given a singel dose of ephedrine hydrochloride (22 mg) along and in combination with theophylline and a barbiturate. 2 Pharmacokinetic assessment of the data indicated no significant intra-subject changes in kinetic parameters before or after chronic treatment with ephedrine HCl (11 mg three times a day) alone or in combination. 3 Tolerance to these therapeutic doses, if it occurs, is therefore not disposition-related but rather to pharmacodynamic changes.