Levophed Dosage
Generic name: NOREPINEPHRINE BITARTRATE 1mg in 1mL
Dosage form: injection, solution, concentrate
Drug classes: Catecholamines, Vasopressors
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 2, 2024.
Important Dosage and Administration Instructions
Correct Hypovolemia
Address hypovolemia before initiation of LEVOPHED therapy. If the patient does not respond to therapy, suspect occult hypovolemia.
Dosage
After an initial dosage of 8 to 12 mcg per minute via intravenous infusion, assess patient response and adjust dosage to maintain desired hemodynamic effect. Monitor blood pressure every two minutes until the desired hemodynamic effect is achieved, and then monitor blood pressure every five minutes for the duration of the infusion.
Typical maintenance intravenous dosage is 2 to 4 mcg per minute.
Preparation of Diluted Solution
Visually inspect LEVOPHED for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration (the solution is colorless). Do not use the solution if its color is pinkish or darker than slightly yellow or if it contains a precipitate.
Add the content of one LEVOPHED vial (4 mg in 4 mL) to 1,000 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or Sodium Chloride Injection solutions that contain 5% dextrose to produce a 4 mcg per mL dilution. Dextrose reduces loss of potency due to oxidation. Administration in saline solution alone is not recommended.
Use higher concentration solutions in patients requiring fluid restriction. Prior to use, store the diluted LEVOPHED solution for up to 24 hours at room temperature [20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)] and protect from light.
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