Norepinephrine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What medicine is Norepinephrine?

What is Norepinephrine for?

Norepinephrine is a drug that is similar to adrenaline. Works by constricting blood vessels and increasing blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Norepinephrine is used to treat fatal conditions of low blood pressure (hypotension) that can occur with certain health conditions or surgical procedures. This drug is often used during CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).

Norepinephrine may also be used for purposes not included in this medication guide.

How is Norepinephrine taken?

Norepinephrine is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in the hospital or in an emergency situation.

Norepinephrine is usually given as long as needed or until the body responds to treatment. Some people have to receive norepinephrine for several days.

Your blood pressure, breathing, and other vital signs will be of greatest concern when you are receiving norepinephrine.

Tell your health care provider if you have pain, irritation, cold, or other discomfort on the skin or pulse where the medicine was injected. Norepinephrine can damage the skin or tissue around where the drug is injected if the drug accidentally leaks out of the blood vessels.

How is Norepinephrine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Norepinephrine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Norepinephrine for adults?

Dosage for hypotension in adults:

Initial dose: 2 to 4 mcg / minute

Maintenance dose: adjust level for normal low blood pressure (usually 80 to 100 mmHg systolic). Average treatment doses range from 1 to 12 mcg / minute.

Dosage for shock in adults

Initial dose: 2 to 4 mcg / minute

Maintenance dose: adjust level for normal low blood pressure (usually 80 to 100 mmHg systolic). Average treatment doses range from 1 to 12 mcg / minute.

What is the dosage of Norepinephrine for children?

The dosage for children has not been established. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosage is Norepinephrine available?

Injection of 1 mg (in bitartrate) / mL

Norepinephrine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Norepinephrine?

If you experience signs of an allergic reaction to this medicine, seek medical attention immediately: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as:

Pain, burning, irritation, discoloration, or change in the skin at the injection site;
Feelings of sudden numbness, weakness, or a cold feeling in any part of the body;
Slow or uneven heart rate;
Lips or nails turn blue, freckles on the skin;
Urinating less frequently than usual or not at all;
Difficulty breathing
Vision problems, speech problems, balance problems; or
Fatal high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, difficulty breathing, uneven heartbeat, seizures).

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Norepinephrine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Norepinephrine?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have;

history of kidney stones; or
parathyroid gland disorders

If you have this condition, you may not be able to take norepinephrine, or you may have to adjust your dose or have special tests at the time of treatment.

Consult your doctor before taking norepinephrine if you are pregnant.

Is Norepinephrine safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk,
B = not at risk in several studies,
C = May be risky,
D = There is positive evidence of risk,
X = Contraindicated,
N = Unknown

Norepinephrine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Norepinephrine?

Drug interactions can change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not include all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of the products you use (including prescription / nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and tell your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Blood pressure medications;
MAO inhibitors — isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others; or
Antidepressants — amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, trimipramine.

Can food or alcohol interact with Norepinephrine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Norepinephrine?

The presence of other health problems can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

high blood pressure (hypertension)
diabetes;
coronary heart disease;
blood circulation problems;
varicose veins;
an overactive thyroid; or
asthma or sulfite allergy.

Norepinephrine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms can include slow heart rate or severe headache, sweating, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, pale skin, and stabbing chest pain.