Related Subjects: Atropine
|Acute Anaphylaxis
|Basic Life Support
|Advanced Life Support
|Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
|Acute Hypotension
|Cardiogenic shock
|Distributive Shock
|Hypovolaemic or Haemorrhagic Shock
|Obstructive Shock
|Septic Shock and Sepsis
|Shock (General Assessment)
|Toxic Shock Syndrome
๐ Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) is used mainly in the intensive care unit (ICU) and operating theatre setting to counter acute hypotension. It is a powerful vasopressor requiring close monitoring.
โน๏ธ About
Always check the BNF link here ๐ for up-to-date details.
โ๏ธ Mode of Action
- Potent ฮฑ-adrenergic agonist โ vasoconstriction and increased systemic vascular resistance.
- Maintains perfusion to vital organs (renal, mesenteric, cerebral) at low-to-moderate doses.
๐ Indications & Dose
- Shock with low systemic vascular resistance (e.g. septic shock, distributive shock).
- Typical dose: 0.16โ0.33 ml/min (40 mcg base/ml) via central venous line; titrate to response.
- Note: 1 mg Noradrenaline base = 2 mg Noradrenaline acid tartrate.
โ ๏ธ Interactions
- See BNF for full list (risk of arrhythmias with other sympathomimetics, etc.).
๐ Cautions
- Requires continuous arterial BP monitoring.
- Extravasation can cause severe local tissue necrosis.
๐ซ Contraindications
- See BNF (e.g. uncorrected hypovolaemia should be addressed before use).
โ Side Effects
- Arrhythmias ๐
- Peripheral and mesenteric ischaemia ๐ฉธ
- Hypertension if overdosed ๐
๐ References
- BNF โ Noradrenaline/Norepinephrine monograph
๐ Revisions