α1 > β1 agonist
Norepinephrine
Levophed Vasopressor — violet Infusion per pharmacy
Go-to infusion for vasodilatory hypotension.
Typical adult doses
| Indication | Dose | Onset | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infusion | ≈0.02–0.3 mcg/kg/min, titrated | Immediate | — |
Mechanism
Potent α1 agonist with modest β1 effect.
Key effects
- ↑ SVR and BP; modest ↑ contractility
Watch out for
- Extravasation → tissue injury (phentolamine)
- Peripheral administration only per institutional policy
Pimp questions
Pimp question
Antidote for norepinephrine extravasation?
Answer
Local phentolamine infiltration (α-blocker), per policy.