Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine, Levophed, L-Noradrenaline, (-)-Norepinephrine, Noradrenaline.

Levophed

4-[(1R)-2-amino-1-hydroxyethyl] benzene-1,2-diol

Absorption: SC: Poorly absorbed. Destroyed in the GI tract;

Distribution: sympathetic nervous tissue, crosses placenta but not BBB

Metabolism: Liver

Excretion: urine

Noradrenaline acts on both alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors to cause vasoconstriction. Its effect in-vitro is often limited to the increasing of blood pressure through antagonising alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors and causing a resultant increase in systemic vascular resistance.

• For upper GI haemorrhage, 8 mg on 250 ml of 0.9% NaCl intraperitoneal injection
• Instill 8 mg in 100 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution through a nasogastric tube every hr for 6–8 hours, then every 2 hours for 4–6 hours. Withdraw drug gradually.
• Initially, 8-12 mcg/minute, up to 8-30 mcg/minute in refractory shock.

Hypotension, shock

Hypertension, peripheral ischemia, headache, skin necrosis, bradycardia, dyspnoea, arrhythmias, anxiety, and respiratory difficulty.

Phenelzine (MAO Inhibitor), amitriptyline (Tricyclic antidepressant)

Patients with peripheral or mesenteric vascular thrombosis unless necessary as a life-saving procedure. Hypertension, Pregnancy. 

Protect from light, store in an air tight container at a temperature of 25°C.                      

Molecular weight

169.18 g/mol

Molecular formula

C8H11NO3

CAS number

51-41-2

Precautions

Avoid hypertension