Levophed

Levophed - General Information

Precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and is a widespread central and autonomic neurotransmitter. Levophed is the principal transmitter of most postganglionic sympathetic fibers and of the diffuse projection system in the brain arising from the locus ceruleus. It is also found in plants and is used pharmacologically as a sympathomimetic. [PubChem]

Pharmacology of Levophed

Noradrenaline acts on both alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors to cause vasoconstriction. Its effect in-vitro is often limited to the increasing of blood pressure through antagonising alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors and causing a resultant increase in systemic vascular resistance.

Additional information about Levophed

Levophed Indication: Mainly used to treat patients in vasodilatory shock states such as septic shock and neurogenic shock and has shown a survival benefit over dopamine. Also used as a vasopressor medication for patients with critical hypotension.
Mechanism Of Action: Levophed functions as a peripheral vasoconstrictor (alpha-adrenergic action) and as an inotropic stimulator of the heart and dilator of coronary arteries (beta-adrenergic action).
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Norepinephrine
Synonyms: L-noradrenaline; Arterenol; L-Norepinephrine; Norepinephrine; Noradrenaline
Drug Category: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Sympathomimetics; Vasoconstrictor Agents
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Norepinephrine: Levophed;
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): In high dose and especially when it is combined with other vasopressors, it can lead to limb ischemia and limb death.
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: Not Available
Dosage Forms of Levophed: Solution Intravenous
Liquid Intravenous
Insert, extended release Intrauterine
Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: 4-[(1R)-2-amino-1-hydroxyethyl]benzene-1,2-diol
Chemical Formula: C8H11NO3
Norepinephrine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norepinephrine
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals