Norepinephrine injection
What is this medication?
NOREPINEPHRINE (nor ep ih NEFF rin) is a very strong vasoconstrictor. This medicine is used in a hospital to treat low blood pressure.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Levophed
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- circulation problems in fingers and toes
- dehydration
- history of blood clots
- history of irregular heartbeat
- an unusual or allergic reaction to norepinephrine, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
- ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline
- general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane
- MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- medicines for diabetes
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- signs and symptoms of increased acid in the body like breathing fast; fast heartbeat; headache; confusion; unusually weak or tired; nausea, vomiting
- skin discoloration
- unusually low heartbeat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- anxious
- headache
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This drug is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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