Pharmacology Refresh Cards: Noradrenaline - Norepinephrine
Noradrenaline -
norepinephrine
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Drug name
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Sympathomimetic (Vasopressor)
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Group
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Stimulates
alpha-receptors in arterial and venous beds and beta1 receptors of
heart, resulting in peripheral vasoconstriction and stimulation of heart rate
and contractility. Coronary vasodilation occurs secondary to enhanced
myocardial contractility.
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Mechanism
of action
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duration
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Interval
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dose
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Uses
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Cont. infusion
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0.01–0.4 µg/kg/min
IV infusion via a central vein
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Septic
shock ,with low SVR
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Severe hypertension may occur if
noradrenaline is given to patients taking tricyclic antidepressants since
tricyclics block the uptake of noradrenaline into nerve endings.
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Drug
interaction
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Bradycardia
Hypertension
Arrhythmias
Myocardial ischaemia
peripheral ischaemia
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Side
effects
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Hypovolaemic shock
Acute myocardial ischaemia or
MI
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Contraindication
& precaution
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Pregnancy: Category D
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Special
populations
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Norepinephrine
may lose potency in normal saline solution
Administer
in D5W or 5% dextrose in saline
If extravasation occurs, infiltration
with phentolamine
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Administration
notes
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4mg/4ml amp
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Availability
in pharmacy
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Other
notes
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Comments