Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is a powerful vasopressor medication used to treat severe hypotension and shock states, particularly septic shock, cardiogenic shock, and hypotension during surgery. It works by constricting blood vessels to increase blood pressure while also stimulating the heart to improve cardiac output.
Norepinephrine is an emergency vasopressor used to raise dangerously low blood pressure in critically ill patients.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CA03
- RxNorm
- 7512
- Generic
- Norepinephrine
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Levophed
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.05-0.1 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion, titrated to effect
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.05-0.1 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion, titrated to effect
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.025-0.05 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion, titrated to effect
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits clearly outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits clearly outweigh potential risks
fetal heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks
continuous fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
decision to discontinue nursing or drug should consider importance of drug to mother
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to effects
monitor blood pressure closely to avoid hypertension
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonates to adolescentsweight-based dosing required
use only in critical care settings with appropriate pediatric dosing
continuous hemodynamic monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment typically required
use standard dosing with monitoring
monitor renal function
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
monitor for accumulation and adjust dose if needed
close hemodynamic and renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
dose adjustment may be required in moderate impairment
monitor blood pressure and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeconsider dose reduction
use with caution and consider dose reduction in severe hepatic impairment
close hemodynamic monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Norepinephrine is classified as a vasopressor and adrenergic agonist
Common uses
Primary therapeutic uses in critical care settings
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism causing vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure
Route of administration
Only administered via intravenous infusion due to short half-life
Treatment of acute hypotension and shock states including septic shock, cardiogenic shock, and hypotensive episodes during surgical procedures. Typically reserved for patients who do not respond adequately to fluid resuscitation.
Acts primarily on alpha-adrenergic receptors to cause peripheral vasoconstriction, raising blood pressure. Also stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart for increased contractility and in the coronary arteries for improved blood flow to the heart muscle.
Administered intravenously in intensive care settings with close hemodynamic monitoring. Can cause tissue damage if extravasation occurs. Common side effects include hypertension, arrhythmias, and bradycardia. Requires careful dose titration to maintain adequate perfusion without excessive vasoconstriction.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
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