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.
