Norepinephrine
Levophed (norepinephrine bitartrate) is a potent vasopressor medication used to raise dangerously low blood pressure in critically ill patients. It is primarily administered in acute care settings such as intensive care units to treat various forms of shock including septic shock, cardiogenic shock, and neurogenic shock. The medication works by constricting blood vessels, thereby increasing vascular resistance and restoring adequate blood pressure and organ perfusion.
Levophed is a critical care vasopressor used to treat life-threatening hypotension and shock by constricting blood vessels to raise blood pressure.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 227559
- Generic
- Levophed
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Levophed is used to treat acute hypotensive states caused by shock, including septic shock, cardiogenic shock, neurogenic shock, and hypotension following certain surgical procedures or trauma. It is reserved for situations where blood pressure must be urgently restored to maintain vital organ perfusion.
Levophed acts primarily as an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist, causing potent vasoconstriction throughout the body. This increased vascular resistance raises blood pressure. It also has mild beta-1 adrenergic effects, which provide some cardiac stimulation. The medication is administered intravenously in a controlled hospital setting with continuous blood pressure monitoring.
Levophed must be administered in an acute care setting with close hemodynamic monitoring due to the risk of severe hypertension or tissue damage at the injection site. It is typically given through a central venous line and requires dilution and careful titration. Common adverse effects include hypertension, bradycardia, arrhythmias, and potential tissue necrosis if extravasation occurs. This is a high-alert medication reserved for critically ill patients under close medical supervision.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy