Product Description
Norepinephrine Ampule 1mg/ml (10mg/10ml) is a concentrated solution of norepinephrine, a potent vasoconstrictor and inotropic agent, used to treat severe, acute hypotension in adults. This specific ampule contains 10mg of norepinephrine in a 10ml volume, with a concentration of 1mg per ml.
Product Description:
This product comes in a single-dose ampule containing 10ml of a sterile solution of norepinephrine bitartrate. The concentration is 1mg/ml, meaning each ampule provides a total of 10mg of norepinephrine.
Indications:
Norepinephrine Ampule is indicated for the treatment of:
- Severe, acute hypotension: This medication is used to raise blood pressure in adults experiencing a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure. This can be caused by various factors, including:
- Sepsis: A life-threatening condition caused by a severe infection.
- Cardiac arrest: A sudden cessation of heart function.
- Myocardial infarction: A heart attack.
- Surgery: Following major surgery, especially in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Drug reactions: Adverse reactions to certain medications.
- Spinal anesthesia: A type of anesthesia that affects the spinal cord.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor that produces excess hormones, including norepinephrine.
Dosage Recommendation:
Dosage is highly individualized and depends on the patient's specific condition, age, weight, and response to treatment. It's crucial to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor carefully.
- Initial Dose: The initial dose is typically 0.25ml to 0.375ml (8 mcg to 12 mcg of base) per minute, administered intravenously.
- Maintenance Dose: The average maintenance dose ranges from 0.0625ml to 0.125ml per minute (2 mcg to 4 mcg of base).
- Titration: The dose should be adjusted to maintain a low to normal blood pressure (usually 80 mmHg to 100 mmHg systolic) sufficient to maintain the circulation of vital organs.
Precautions:
Norepinephrine Ampule should be used with caution in patients with:
- Hypovolemia: Low blood volume. Norepinephrine should not be used in patients with hypotension due to hypovolemia except as an emergency measure to maintain coronary and cerebral artery perfusion until blood volume replacement therapy can be completed.
- Occlusive vascular disease: Blockage of blood vessels. Norepinephrine should be avoided in patients with mesenteric or peripheral vascular thrombosis as it can increase ischemia and extend the area of infarction.
- Cardiac arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms. Norepinephrine can cause arrhythmias, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart conditions or in the setting of hypoxia or hypercarbia.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): A class of drugs used to treat depression. Norepinephrine should be used with extreme caution in patients receiving MAOIs or antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types because severe, prolonged hypertension may result.
- Cyclopropane and halothane anesthetics: These anesthetics can increase cardiac autonomic irritability and sensitize the myocardium to the action of norepinephrine, potentially leading to ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation.
- Sulfite sensitivity: Norepinephrine contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Adverse Reactions:
Common side effects of norepinephrine include:
- Tissue ischemia: Reduced blood flow to tissues, which can lead to damage.
- Bradycardia: Slow heart rate.
- Anxiety: Feeling of nervousness or unease.
- Transient headache: Temporary headache.
- Respiratory difficulty: Shortness of breath.
- Extravasation necrosis: Tissue damage at the injection site due to leakage of the medication.
Serious side effects are less common but can include:
- Cardiac arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms.
- Hypotension after abrupt discontinuation: Sudden drop in blood pressure when the medication is stopped abruptly.
- Gangrene: Death of tissue due to lack of blood flow.
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis): Life-threatening allergic reaction.
Important Note:
This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist for specific dosage instructions, potential risks, and any other questions you may have regarding norepinephrine ampule.
