Drugs

Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Noradrenaline or norepinephrine (NA / NE) or noradrenalin (cathecholamine) is a adrenergic agonist (direct acting), used as Pressor agent to treat life-threatening low blood pressure (hypotension) that can occur with certain medical conditions or surgical procedures. This medication is often used during CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).
Dose : 2-4 μg /min. I.V. infusion
Route : Intravenous
Onset of action : ?
Plasma Half-life : ?
Duration of action : 1 to 2 minutes, following the end of the infusion
Bioavailability : ?
Chemical formula : C8H11NO3
IUPAC name : (R)-4-(2-amino-1-hydroxyethyl)benzene-1,2-diol
Trade name : Levophed, Levophed Bitartrate
Therapeutic uses : Norepinephrine is used to treat shock, because it increases vascular resistance and, therefore, increases blood pressure under certain intensive care conditions.
Note:- NE has no other clinically significant uses even rarely used now as a pressor agent.
Points of interest :

  • NE should not be administered in peripheral veins, if possible.
  • The infusion should be made high in the limb, preferably through a long plastic cannula extending centrally.
  • Impaired circulation at injection sites, with or without extravasation of NE, may be relieved by infiltrating the area with α receptor antagonist Phentolamine.
  • Blood pressure must be determined frequently during the infusion and particularly during adjustment of the rate of the infusion.

Side effects : Adverse effects of Norepinephrine are as follows:
On CNS

  • Anxiety,
  • Fear,
  • Restlessness
  • Tension,
  • Headache,
  • Tremor
  • Cerebral hemorrhage

On CvS

  • Cardiac arrhythmias, particularly if the patient is receiving digoxin.
  • Angina (in patients with coronary artery disease)
  • Tachycardia
  • Hypertension (& increased peripheral resistance)

Others

  • Pulmonary edema
  • Blanching and sloughing of skin along an injected vein
  • Tissue necrosis (if extravasation occurs)

Warnings :

  • Norepinephrine should be used with extreme caution in patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types, because severe, prolonged hypertension may result.

Contraindications :
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Doctoralerts aim to deliver pinpoint, trustworthy, and invaluable health insights, empowering everyone to take charge of their well-being.

Categories

Copyright © 2023-24 All Rights Reserved | DoctorAlerts does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

To Top