Noradrenaline Bitartrate(Levophed)Side Effects, Indications, Interactions, Dosage Information

What is NoradrenalineBitartrate(Levophed)?

Noradrenaline bitartrate belongs to category of sympathomimetics drugs. Noradrenaline bitartrate is a type of adrenergic agents. Noradrenaline is a sympathomimetic amine, which acts predominantly by a direct effect on alpha-adrenergic receptors. The drug also directly stimulates the beta adrenergic receptors of the heart (beta1-adrenergic receptors), but not those of the bronchi (beta2-adrenergic receptors)

Noradrenaline is a sympathomimetic amine, which acts predominantly by a direct effect on alpha-adrenergic receptors. The drug also directly stimulates the beta adrenergic receptors of the heart (beta1-adrenergic receptors), but not those of the bronchi (beta2-adrenergic receptors)

Indication/Contraindication for use of Noradrenaline Bitartrate(Levophed)

• As an adjunct in the treatment of cardiac arrest and profound hypotension.
• Restoration of blood pressure in certain hypotensive states.
• sympathectomy, spinal anaesthesia, MI, septicaemia, blood transfusion, drug reactions.

Side Effects of Noradrenaline Bitartrate(Levophed)

Bradycardia, peripheral ischaemia, hypertension, headache, arrhythmias

Dosage and Prescribing Information for Noradrenaline Bitartrate(Levophed)

I.V.infusion: Add 4ml of the solution to 1000ml of 5% dextrose solution (4 mcg base/ml). Observe response to an initial dose of 23ml/min, adjust rate to maintain a low normal blood pressur (80-100mm Hg systorlic). Average maintenance dose : 0.51ml (24 mcg of base) per minute. Cardiac arrest : Rapid I.V. or intracardiac injection, 0.50-.75ml of a solution containing base 100mcg/ml. Dose for resucscitation of neonates, infants and children: Titrated infusion 1mg/500ml in infants and 2mg/500ml in children

Drug Interactions of Noradrenaline Bitartrate(Levophed)

Bretylium, guanethidine, halo genated hydrocarbon anaesthetic, oxytocic drugs.

Precautions while prescribing Noradrenaline Bitartrate(Levophed)

• Infusion into a large vein.
• Not a substitute for replacement of blood, plasma and fluids.
• Avoid hypertension.
• Extravasation may cause necrosis of overlying skin.