ephedrine

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɛfədriːn/

noun

[mass noun] Medicine
  • a crystalline alkaloid drug obtained from some ephedras. It causes constriction of the blood vessels and widening of the bronchial passages, and is used to relieve asthma and hay fever.
    • Chemical formula: C10H15NO

Origin:

late 19th century: from ephedra + -ine4