LEVOPHED BITARTRATE

Drug Name: LEVOPHED BITARTRATE

LEVOPHED BITARTRATE DESCRIPTION:
NOREPINEPHRINE BITARTRATE - INJECTION (nor-ep-in-EFF-rin)

COMMON LEVOPHED BITARTRATE BRAND NAME(S):
Levophed

LEVOPHED BITARTRATE SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness or weakness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify the doctor promptly. Report promptly headache or mental/mood changes. Very unlikely but report promptly changes in skin appearance, pain/swelling at the injection site, fast, slow or irregular heart beat, changes in amount of urine, changes in vision, trouble breathing, chest pain, or sweating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE LEVOPHED BITARTRATE:
LEVOPHED BITARTRATE: LEVOPHED BITARTRATE is diluted in liquid and given continuously into a large vein (IV infusion), as directed by the doctor. Dosage is based on the patient's condition and response to treatment. Follow all instructions for proper dilution with the correct IV fluids. Consult the pharmacist. LEVOPHED BITARTRATE should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. Do not use the liquid if it is pale pink, darker than pale yellow or if it contains particles.

LEVOPHED BITARTRATE USES:
LEVOPHED BITARTRATE is used for short-term control of low blood pressure.

LEVOPHED BITARTRATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell the doctor the patient's medical history, including any allergies (especially to sulfites), blood clots (e.g., peripheral vascular thrombosis), dehydration (hypovolemia), or thyroid problems (especially hyperthyroidism). LEVOPHED BITARTRATE should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with the doctor. It is not known whether LEVOPHED BITARTRATE is excreted into breast milk. Consult the doctor before breast-feeding.

LEVOPHED BITARTRATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell the doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication the patient may use, especially anesthetics (e.g., cyclopropane, halothane); MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline); heart drugs including beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol); guanethidine, methyldopa and atropine; antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine); "ergot" drugs (e.g., dihydroergotamine) or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

LEVOPHED BITARTRATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

LEVOPHED BITARTRATE NOTES:
Do not share LEVOPHED BITARTRATE with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor for side effects and response to treatment.

MISSED LEVOPHED BITARTRATE DOSE:
If the dose is interrupted, contact your doctor immediately to re-establish dosing.

LEVOPHED BITARTRATE STORAGE:
Store ampuls at room temperatures up to 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Consult the pharmacist for details on dilution and stability with IV fluids. Discard any unused liquid.