Generic
name: Ephedrine sulfate
Brand name: Levophed®.
Description
This injection contains noradrenaline as the acid tartrate. It is a focused
and strong drug which must be diluted in dextrose containing solutions prior
to infusion. This injection of noradrenaline should be given into a large
vein
Uses
Noradrenaline functions as a peripheral pressor and as an inotropic
stimulator of the heart and dilator of coronary arteries. Noradrenaline is a
adrenergic aminoalkane which differs from adrenaline by the absence of a
methyl group on the nitrogen atom. These activities result in an increase in
systemic blood pressure and coronary arteria blood flow. In myocardial
infarction companied by hypertension, this drug usually increases aortic
blood pressure, coronary artery blood flow, and myocardium oxygenation,
which helps in limiting the area of myocardial ischaemia and infarction.
Venous return is increased and the heart tends to resume a more normal rate
and rhythm than in the patient state. In cardiovascular disease that
persists after correction of blood volume shortages, Levophed helps raise
the blood pressure to an optimal level and establish a more tolerable
circulation
Dosage
Parenteral drug products should be visited visually for particulate matter
and discoloration anterior to use, whenever solution and container permit.
In order to maintain systemic blood pressure during the management of
cardiac arrest, noradrenaline is used in the same manner as described under
Restoration of Blood Pressure in Acute patient States. Do not use the
solution if its colour is pinkish or darker than slightly yellow or if it
contains a precipitate. Avoid its contact with iron salts, alkalis, or
oxidising agents.
Safety tips
You should use this drug with extreme care:
- Your health care officer should be aware of your medicinal history.
- Levophed should be used with extreme caution in patients receiving
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or antidepressants, because severe,
prolonged hypertension may result.
- Levophed Injection contains sodium metabisulphite, a sulphite that
may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and
life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain
susceptible people.
- The overall prevalence of sulphite sensitivity in the general
population is unknown. Sulphite sensitivity is seen more frequently in
asthmatic than in non-asthmatic people.
Common side effects
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
Disclaimer:Disclaimer: The above information is for
general understanding of the visitor. Please consult a registered medical
practitioner before taking the aforesaid medicine.
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