Norepinephrine (Levophed)
Norepinephrine is similar to adrenaline. It is used to treat life-threatening low blood pressure (hypotension) that can occur with certain medical conditions or surgical procedures. Norepinephrine is often used during CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).
Norepinephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Norepinephrine (Levophed) used for?
- Hypotension
- Sepsis
- Cardiac Arrest
- Hypotension Secondary to Hemodialysis
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Norepinephrine (Levophed)?
If possible before you receive norepinephrine, tell your caregivers if you have:
- high blood pressure (hypertension);
- diabetes;
- coronary artery disease;
- circulation problems;
- varicose veins;
- overactive thyroid; or
- asthma or a sulfite allergy.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers about your health conditions or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you received this medicine.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Norepinephrine (Levophed)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have:
- pain, burning, irritation, discoloration, or skin changes where the injection was given;
- sudden numbness, weakness, or cold feeling anywhere in your body;
- slow or uneven heart rate;
- blue lips or fingernails, mottled skin;
- little or no urination;
- trouble breathing;
- problems with vision, speech, or balance; or
- severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Norepinephrine (Levophed) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Norepinephrine (Levophed)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Norepinephrine (Levophed)?
Use Norepinephrine (Levophed) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Norepinephrine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Norepinephrine is usually given for as long as needed until your body responds to the medication. Some people must receive norepinephrine for several days.
Your blood pressure, breathing, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving norepinephrine.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any pain, irritation, cold feeling, or other discomfort of your skin or veins where the medicine is injected. Norepinephrine can damage the skin or tissues around the injection site if the medicine accidentally leaks out of the vein.
Since norepinephrine is given by a healthcare professional in an emergency setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Norepinephrine (Levophed)?
Overdose symptoms may include slow heartbeats, severe headache, sweating, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, pale skin, and stabbing chest pain.