GENERIC NAME: NOREPINEPHRINE BITARTRATE - INJECTION (nor-ep-in-EFF-rin)
BRAND NAME(S): Levophed
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used for short-term control of low blood pressure.
HOW TO USE: This medication is diluted in liquid and given continuously into a large vein (IV infusion), as directed by the doctor. Dosage is based on the patient's condition and response to treatment. Follow all instructions for proper dilution with the correct IV fluids. Consult the pharmacist. This medication should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. Do not use the liquid if it is pale pink, darker than pale yellow or if it contains particles.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness or weakness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify the doctor promptly. Report promptly: headache, mental/mood changes. Very unlikely but report promptly: changes in skin appearance, pain/swelling at the injection site, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, changes in amount of urine, changes in vision, trouble breathing, chest pain, sweating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell the doctor the patient's medical history, including: allergies (especially to sulfites), blood clots (e.g., peripheral vascular thrombosis), dehydration (hypovolemia), thyroid problems (especially hyperthyroidism). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with the doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult the doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell the doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication the patient may use, especially of: anesthetics (e.g., cyclopropane, halothane), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline), heart drugs (including beta-blockers such as propranolol), guanethidine, methyldopa, atropine, antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine), "ergot" drugs (e.g., dihydroergotamine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.
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