metaraminol

Question 1

Indications

Answer 1

Hypotension in the setting of septic shock, post cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, severe traumatic brain injury, neurogenic shock, rapid sequence intubation and post intubation.

Question 2

Contraindications and cautions

Answer 2

Contraindications:
Known severe allergy.

Cautions:

A Bradycardia. Metaraminol may make bradycardia worse as reduced endogenous release of
adrenaline may occur as blood pressure is raised. Consider administering adrenaline if the patient is hypotensive and bradycardic.

Question 3

Action

Answer 3

Metaraminol is an alpha receptor
agonist. It stimulates alpha-1
receptors in peripheral blood
vessels, causing vasoconstriction
and a rise in blood pressure. Some
references describe a small degree
of stimulation of beta receptors, but this is usually clinically insignificant.

Question 4

Route

Answer 4

IV / IO

Question 5

Dosage

Answer 5

0.5 - 1mg bolus every 5 to 10 minutes bolus.
infusion pump: 2mg/hr adjusted every 10-15 minutes

Question 6

Side effects

Answer 6

• Hypertension. This usually only occurs when boluses greater than 1 mg are administered in an adult.
• Bradycardia.