Norepinephrine (Injection)

Introduction:

Norepinephrine (nor-ep-i-NEF-rin)

Treats low blood pressure and heart failure.

Brand Name(s):

Levophed Bitartrate, Levophed

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine for depression such as amitryptiline, nortryptiline, doxepin, Elavil®, Pamelor®, or Sinequan®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• This medicine contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause an allergic reaction. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfite in the past.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have asthma or high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have other medical problems.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blackish-color of your toes.
• Chest pain.
• Pain, itching, swelling, burning or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Slow or uneven heartbeat.
• Vomiting, or severe stomach pain.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety or headache.
• Increased sweating.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: