Levophed Bitartrate Disease Interactions

Norepinephrine injection should not be given to patients with mesenteric or peripheral vascular thrombosis (because of the risk of increasing ischemia and extending the area of infarction) unless, in the opinion of the attending physician,the administration of norepinephrine is necessary as a life- saving procedure.

The use of sympathomimetic amines has been infrequently associated with significant hypotension especially in dehydrated patients secondary to the drug's beta-2 mediated vasodilation. Hypovolemia should be corrected, if possible, before administering sympathomimetic amines. Blood pressure and ECG should be monitored at regular intervals. Monitoring of cardiac output and pulmonary wedge pressure may also be desired.

Acidosis, hypoxia, and hypercapnia may reduce the effectiveness of sympathomimetic amines in raising blood pressure. These conditions should be corrected before initiating therapy with sympathomimetic amines, if possible. Monitoring the patients acid-base balance, carbon dioxide levels, and oxygen saturation is recommended.