Norepinephrine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Levophed, Levophed Bitartrate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 25, 2025.

Norepinephrine Pregnancy Warnings

Use is recommended only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Risk summary: Limited data available on the use of this drug in pregnant women to inform a drug-related risk.

Animal studies indicate the potential for placental perfusion and induction of fetal bradycardia. This drug may also exert a contractile effect on the pregnant uterus and lead to fetal asphyxia in late pregnancy. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

See references

Norepinephrine Breastfeeding Warnings

Caution is recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Data not available

Comments: The effects in the nursing infant are unknown.

Animal studies suggest this drug can decrease serum prolactin and reduce milk production, as well as inhibit the release of oxytocin which inhibits milk ejection. High IV doses may reduce milk production or milk letdown.

See references

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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