Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 29, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Levophed
- Levophed Bitartrate
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Vasopressor
Pharmacologic Class: Norepinephrine
Uses for norepinephrine
Norepinephrine injection is used to raise blood pressure in patients with severe, acute hypotension (short-term low blood pressure).
Norepinephrine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using norepinephrine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For norepinephrine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to norepinephrine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of norepinephrine injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of norepinephrine injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving norepinephrine.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other...
