Norepinephrine - Drug Information
Generic Name : Norepinephrine
Pronunciation : nor ep i NEF rin
ICD Code : Y52 | Therapeutic Classification : Cardiovascular Agents
Trade Name(s) :
India - Norad 2mg Injection, Veraline (2mg), Norad (4mg), Epinor (4mg), Adronis (4mg/2mL)International - Levophed.
Why is Norepinephrine Prescribed? (Indications)
This medication is prescribed for low blood pressure (hypotension) that can occur with certain medical conditions or surgical procedures. It is often used during CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). It is a catecholamine with multiple roles including as a hormone and a neurotransmitter. It works by narrowing the blood vessels.
When should Norepinephrine not to be taken? (Contraindications)
Contraindicated to patients with history of high blood pressure, pregnancy, patients with peripheral or mesenteric vascular thrombosis (inflammation and injury of the small intestine result from inadequate blood supply), unless necessary as a life-saving procedure.What is the dosage of Norepinephrine?
IV- The recommended initial dose is 8 to 12 mcg/min. Maximum allowed dose is 30mcg/min. The maintenance dose is 2 to 4 mcg/min.
How should Norepinephrine be taken?
Injection administered by a doctor or healthcare provider into the vein.
What are the warnings and precautions for Norepinephrine?
*Not a substitute for replacement of blood, plasma, fluids, and/or electrolytes; correct volume depletion (loss of both water and salts from cell volume) prior to admin.*Identify and correct hypoxia (reduced oxygen content), hypercapnia (too much of CO2 and acidosis prior to or during admin.
*Avoid extravasations (leakage of a fluid) as tissue necrosis may occur.
*Avoid giving the injection into leg veins since they are more often affected by diseases such as diabetes and arteriosclerosis.
What are the side effects of Norepinephrine?
Heart- Fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, low blood pressure.Central Nervous System- Headache, dizziness, tremor, sleeplessness, anxiety, mental/mood changes.
Metabolic- Metabolic acidosis, increase in sugar level.
Respiratory- Breathing difficulties.
Miscellaneous- Necrosis (when infused into small vein), thyroid enlargement, irritation from extravasations, decreased urinary output.