Noradrenaline Drugs

Generic name: Ephedrine sulfate

Brand name: Levophed®.

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

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

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.

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.

• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry skin