TADUS, Kimberly A.

BSN202 Group 8B
Drug Name Generic name: Noradrenaline Brand name: Levophed 1mg/mL solution for injection (IV) Classification Therapeutic Catergory: Adrenergic Agent; Vasoconstrictor Indications & Dosage Indications: y Acute hypotension. y Adjunctive therapy for cardiac arrest Dosage: y Dilute 4 mL in 1,000 mL of 5% dextrose soln administered by IV infusion. y Average Dosage: Add 2mL of the 1:1000 solution of Levophed to 500mL, (or 4mL Levophed to 1litre) of 5% glucose solution. Each 1mL of this dilution contains 4 microgram of noradrenaline (=8 microgram of the acid tartrate). Give this dilution intravenously via a catheter well advanced centrally into the Contraindications Contraindications: y Hypotension due to blood vol deficits except as emergency measure until blood vol therapy can be completed. Cyclopropane & halothane anesth, mesenteric or peripheral vascular thrombosis. Hypoxia, hypercarbia. Infusion into leg veins in elderly patients. y Ischemic injury, bradycardia, arrhythmia, anxiety, transient headache, resp difficulty, extravasation necrosis at inj site, plasma vol depletion (prolonged use). y Avoid Hypertension: Because of the potency and varying responses to Levophed, the possibility exists that hypertension may be produced with overdoses of this pressor agent. Hence it is desirable 10 record the blood pressure every two minutes from the time administration is started until the desired blood pressure is obtained, and then every five minutes if administration is to be continued. The rate of flow must be watched constantly, and the patient should not be left unattended whilst receiving Levophed. Headaches may be Adverse Effect Nursing Responsibilities

TADUS, Kimberly A. BSN202 Group 8B

vein and securely fixed, if possible, avoiding a catheter tie-in technique as it promotes stasis. A drip is necessary to permit an accurate estimation of the rate of flow in drops per minute. symptoms of hypertension due to overdose.