How is ephedrine prepared for IV administration in this protocol?

• A. Mix ephedrine: 1 bottle diluted to 9 ml of IV fluid
• B. Dissolve ephedrine in 50 ml saline
• C. Administer oral ephedrine tablets
• D. Inject ephedrine directly from the vial without dilution

Answer: (A)

Dilution for IV administration is about creating a known, titratable concentration so you can give small, controlled doses and adjust based on the patient’s response. Ephedrine increases blood pressure by raising heart rate and cardiac output, so delivering it in a standardized, diluted solution lets you titrate safely rather than guessing the dose. Mixing one unit into a small fixed volume (nine milliliters) provides a predefined concentration that aligns with safe dosing and easy administration.

Giving it in a larger volume or undiluted from the vial removes the ability to dose precisely and increases the risk of overshooting, causing hypertension or tachycardia. Using oral tablets or injecting undiluted would not be appropriate for IV vasopressor use, since they’re not compatible with IV administration or controlled dosing.