Norepinephrine Formulary

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

-Catecholamine -Vasopressor

Question 2

Actions

Answer 2

• Increases systemic vascular resistance through alpha adrenergic stimulation (Vasoconstriction)
• Beta 1 Effects like ephinephrine

Question 3

Indication

Answer 3

• Hypotension due to a low total peripheral resistance as in septic and neurogenic shock.
• Adequate fluid resuscitation is generally a precondition to its use.
• Refractory hypotension in tricyclic antidepressant overdose not responsive to sodium bicarbonate

Question 4

Contraindication

Answer 4

• Hypersensitivity
• Hypovolemic Pt’s
• Pheochromocytoma

Question 5

Side Effects

Answer 5

• Headache, arrhythmia’s, tachycardia, reflex bradycardia, angina, HTN, intracerebral hemorrhage, tremors, restlessness.
• Increased myocardial oxygen demand.
• Necrosis, tissue sloughing with extravasation

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

• Select large vein for infusion site
• Do not administer in the same line as alkaline IV solutions -Norepinephrine causes renal and mesenteric vasoconstriction even at low doses -extravasation and tissue sloughing if extravasation occurs inform ER RN or MD since regitine required if infiltration occured.