Levophed
Levophed (norepinephrine bitartrate) is a sterile, concentrated solution for intravenous infusion. It is a potent peripheral vasoconstrictor (alpha-adrenergic action) and an inotropic stimulator of the heart and dilator of coronary arteries (beta-adrenergic action). It is primarily used in emergency and intensive care settings to life-supportively elevate blood pressure.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be administered via a central venous catheter to prevent local tissue necrosis from extravasation. Dosing is highly individualized and must be titrated to clinical response. Adult initial infusion rates typically range from 8 to 12 mcg/min, with maintenance rates of 2 to 4 mcg/min. Pediatric dosing is weight-based.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min (starting rate)
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate dynamically to target mean arterial pressure. Administer through central venous access.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min (starting rate)
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate dynamically to target mean arterial pressure. Administer through central venous access.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min (starting rate)
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate dynamically to target mean arterial pressure. Administer through central venous access.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min (starting rate)
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate dynamically to target mean arterial pressure. Administer through central venous access.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min (starting rate)
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate dynamically to target mean arterial pressure. Administer through central venous access.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min (starting rate) | Continuous IV infusion | Titrate dynamically to target mean arterial pressure. Administer through central venous access. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min (starting rate) | Continuous IV infusion | Titrate dynamically to target mean arterial pressure. Administer through central venous access. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min (starting rate) | Continuous IV infusion | Titrate dynamically to target mean arterial pressure. Administer through central venous access. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min (starting rate) | Continuous IV infusion | Titrate dynamically to target mean arterial pressure. Administer through central venous access. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg/kg/min (starting rate) | Continuous IV infusion | Titrate dynamically to target mean arterial pressure. Administer through central venous access. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to restore blood pressure in adult patients with acute hypotensive states (such as septic shock) and as an adjunct in the treatment of cardiac arrest and profound hypotension.
Generic Name
Norepinephrine bitartrateScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.