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.