Levophed

Levophed Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Levophed is a direct-acting sympathomimetic which stimulates β1- and α-adrenergic receptors. Its α-agonist effects cause vasoconstriction, thereby raising systolic and diastolic BP with reflex slowing of heart rate.

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.

Trade Name Levophed
Availability Prescription only
Generic Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine Other Names (R)-noradrenaline, (R)-norepinephrine, Arterenol, L-noradrenaline, L-Norepinephrine, Nor-adrenaline, Noradrenaline, Norepinefrina, Norepinephrine, Norépinéphrine, Norepinephrinum
Related Drugs dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, epinephrine, midodrine, Medrol, Decadron, phenylephrine, ephedrine, Levophed
Weight 4mg/4ml, , 1mg/ml
Type Injection, Solution, Ampule, Injectable Solution, Intravenous Solution
Formula C8H11NO3
Weight Average: 169.1778
Monoisotopic: 169.073893223
Groups Approved
Therapeutic Class Alpha and Beta-adrenergic agonist
Manufacturer Pfizer, Hospira Inc, Hospira Inc,
Available Country Bangladesh, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, United States,
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Levophed
Levophed

Uses

For blood pressure control in certain acute hypotensive states (e.g., pheochromocytomectomy, sympathectomy, poliomyelitis, spinal anesthesia, myocardial infarction, septicemia, blood transfusion, and drug reactions). As an adjunct in the treatment of cardiac arrest and profound hypotension.

Levophed is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Hypotension, Neurogenic shock, Septic Shock, Serum Sickness

How Levophed works

Levophed functions as a peripheral vasoconstrictor by acting on alpha-adrenergic receptors. It is also an inotropic stimulator of the heart and dilator of coronary arteries as a result of it's activity at the beta-adrenergic receptors.

Dosage

Levophed dosage

Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage:

  • Adult: Intraperitoneal admin: 8 mg in 250 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride inj. Alternatively, instill 8 mg in 100 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution through a nasogastric tube every hr for 6–8 hr, then every 2 hr for 4–6 hr. Withdraw drug gradually.

Acute hypotensive states:

  • Adult: Initially, 8-12 mcg/minute, up to 8-30 mcg/minute in refractory shock. Infuse using a solution of 4 mcg/ml in glucose 5%, or sodium chloride 0.9% and glucose 5% at a rate of 2-3 ml/minute. Adjust according to BP response. Average maintenance dose: 0.5-1 ml/minute (2-4 mcg/minute). Infuse via a central venous catheter or into a large vein.
  • Child: Administer at a rate of 2 mcg/minute. Alternatively, 2 mcg/m2/minute. Adjust rate according to BP response and perfusion.
  • Elderly: Initial dose should be at low end of dose range.

Intravenous: Dilute with 5% glucose inj, with or without sodium chloride; dilution with sodium chloride inj alone is not recommended.

Side Effects

Hypertension, headache, peripheral ischaemia, bradycardia, arrhythmias, anxiety, skin necrosis (with extravasation), dyspnoea, respiratory difficulty.

Toxicity

In high dose and especially when it is combined with other vasopressors, it can lead to limb ischemia and limb death.

Precaution

Not a substitute for replacement of blood, plasma, fluids, and/or electrolytes; correct volume depletion prior to admin. Identify and correct hypoxia, hypercapnia and acidosis prior to or during admin. Avoid extravasation as tissue necrosis may occur. Avoid inj into leg veins, especially in elderly or those with occlusive vascular diseases, arteriosclerosis, DM or Buerger's disease. Hypertensive or hyperthyroid patients. In conjunction with local anaesthetics, do not use in fingers, toes, ears, nose or genitalia. Lactation.

Interaction

Guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine, TCAs may increase pressor response to norepinephrine.

Food Interaction

No interactions found.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Contraindication

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

Acute Overdose

Symptoms: Hypertension, sweating, cerebral haemorrhage, convulsions.

Storage Condition

Store at room temperature (25°C) and protect from light.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Levophed

Levophed contains Norepinephrine see full prescribing information from innovator Levophed Monograph, Levophed MSDS, Levophed FDA label

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norepinephrine
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