Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor and inotropic agent. It acts primarily on alpha-1 adrenergic receptors to cause vasoconstriction, thereby increasing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. It also has mild beta-1 adrenergic activity, which increases heart rate and cardiac output.
Dosage by Body Weight
Norepinephrine must be administered only by healthcare professionals as a continuous intravenous infusion, preferably via a central line to prevent extravasation and tissue necrosis. Dosage is titrated dynamically based on the patient's clinical response and target blood pressure.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min starting dose
- Frequency
- Continuous intravenous infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Must be administered in an intensive care setting with continuous hemodynamic monitoring. Titrate to effect.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min starting dose
- Frequency
- Continuous intravenous infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Infuse through a central venous catheter if possible. Monitor closely for extravasation.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min starting dose
- Frequency
- Continuous intravenous infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate dose dynamically to maintain target Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP).
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min starting dose
- Frequency
- Continuous intravenous infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Correct hypovolemia (fluid volume depletion) before or during administration.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min starting dose
- Frequency
- Continuous intravenous infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Highly critical medication. Requires continuous infusion pump and arterial line monitoring if available.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min starting dose | Continuous intravenous infusion | Must be administered in an intensive care setting with continuous hemodynamic monitoring. Titrate to effect. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min starting dose | Continuous intravenous infusion | Infuse through a central venous catheter if possible. Monitor closely for extravasation. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min starting dose | Continuous intravenous infusion | Titrate dose dynamically to maintain target Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP). |
| 11-15 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min starting dose | Continuous intravenous infusion | Correct hypovolemia (fluid volume depletion) before or during administration. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min starting dose | Continuous intravenous infusion | Highly critical medication. Requires continuous infusion pump and arterial line monitoring if available. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat life-threatening hypotension (low blood pressure) that can occur during medical conditions or surgical procedures, often associated with shock (septic, cardiogenic, or neurogenic shock).
Generic Name
NorepinephrineBranded Drug Names
Norepinephrine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.