Norepinephrine injection

What is norepinephrine injection?

NOREPINEPHRINE (Levophed®) treats a number of serious heart problems including very low blood pressure. Generic norepinephrine injections are available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive norepinephrine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• high blood pressure

• over active thyroid

• thrombosis

• 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 medicine?

Norepinephrine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with norepinephrine?

• atropine

• bretylium

• bromocriptine

• entacapone

• linezolid

• maprotiline

• medicines for mental depression

• medicines for migraine

• medicine for high blood pressure

• oxytocin

• tolcapone

• vasopressin

• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking norepinephrine?

Your condition will be closely monitored during use of norepinephrine.

If you are diabetic norepinephrine may increase your blood sugar. Check your blood or urine sugar often and contact your prescriber or health care professional if you have any problems.

Do not use a norepinephrine solution that appears cloudy, pinkish, brownish, or has a precipitate.

What side effects may I notice from receiving norepinephrine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• dizziness or fainting spells

• irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain

• pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site

• skin rash, hives

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxiety or nervousness

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• increased sweating

• nausea, vomiting

• weakness or tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused portion. Do not use if solution is discolored or particles are present. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.