In this Article

• What is norepinephrine (Levophed)?
• What are the possible side effects of norepinephrine (Levophed)?
• What is the most important information I should know about norepinephrine (Levophed)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving norepinephrine (Levophed)?
• How is norepinephrine given (Levophed)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Levophed)?
• What happens if I overdose (Levophed)?
• What should I avoid while receiving norepinephrine (Levophed)?
• What other drugs will affect norepinephrine (Levophed)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving norepinephrine (Levophed)?

Before receiving norepinephrine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• high blood pressure (hypertension);
• overactive thyroid; or
• asthma or a sulfite allergy;

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive norepinephrine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It not known whether norepinephrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is norepinephrine given (Levophed)?

Norepinephrine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a large vein.

You will receive this injection in a hospital or emergency setting. Norepinephrine is usually given for as long as needed until your body responds to the medication. Some people must receive norepinephrine for several days.

To be sure norepinephrine is not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure and breathing will be checked during the entire time you are receiving this medication.

Tell your caregivers if you have any pain, irritation, cold feeling, or other discomfort of your skin or veins where the medicine is injected. Norepinephrine can damage the skin or tissues around the injection site if the medication accidentally leaks out of the vein.