Category:

• Nervous system

Description:

• Vasopressor; sympathomimetic

Indications:

• Correction of hemodynamic inbalances in shock syndromes (eg. MI, trauma, septicemia, renal failure, CHF)

Contraindications:

• Pheochromocytoma, uncorrected tachydysrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C; no data regarding breast feeding

• Hypovolemia, arterial embolism, occlusive vascular disease

• Abrupt discontinuation, sulfite sensitivity, concurrent MAOI use

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: headache

• CV: aberrant conduction, anginal pain, bradycardia, ectopic beats, hypertension, palpitation, tachycardia, vasoconstriction, widened QRS complex

• GI: nausea, vomiting

• GU: azotemia

• SKIN: gangrene (high doses for prolonged periods of time), necrosis, piloerection, tissue sloughing with extravasation

Dosage:

Administered intravenously

• Adult and Child: 

  • IV INF 1-20 mcg/kg/min, titrated to desired response

  • do not exceed 50 mcg/kg/min

Special Consideration:

•  Dilute before use if not prediluted

•  Antidote for extravasation: 

  • infiltrate area as soon as possible with 10-15 ml NS containing 5-10mg phentolamine