NOREPINEPHRINE

Norepinephrine (sometimes referred to as l-arterenol/Levarterenol or l-norepinephrine) is a catecholamine which differs from epinephrine by the absence of a methyl group on the nitrogen atom. Chemically, Norepinephrine Bitartrate is (-)-α-(aminomethyl)-3,4-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol tartrate (1:1) (salt) monohydrate (molecular weight 337.3 g/mol) and has the following structural formula: Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection is a clear, colorless, single dose sterile solution supplied as a ready-to-use intravenous infusion bag for intravenous use and does not require further dilution. Each mL contains the equivalent of 16 or 32 or 64 micrograms of norepinephrine base supplied as 31.90 or 63.80 or 127.6 micrograms per mL of norepinephrine bitartrate monohydrate. In addition, each mL of solution contains 0.01 mg edetate disodium dihydrate as a metal chelator and 9.0 mg sodium chloride for isotonicity. It has a pH of 3.5 to 4.5. Figure

Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated to raise blood pressure in adult patients with severe, acute hypotension. Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection is a catecholamine indicated for restoration of blood pressure in adult patients with acute hypotensive states. ( 1 )

No further dilution prior to infusion is required ( 2.1 ) Initial intravenous infusion rate of 8 to 12 mcg per minute, adjust the rate of flow to establish and maintain a low to normal blood pressure (usually 80 to 100 mm Hg) sufficient to maintain the circulation of vital organs ( 2.2 ) The average maintenance dose ranges from 2 to 4 mcg per minute. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Correct Hypovolemia Address hypovolemia before initiation of Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection therapy. If the patient does not respond to therapy, suspect occult hypovolemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Administration Infuse Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection into a large vein. Avoid infusions into the veins of the leg in the elderly or in patients with occlusive vascular disease of the legs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Avoid using a catheter-tie-in technique. Inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use, whenever solution and container permit. Do not open the aluminum foil pouch until time of use. The premixed, ready-to-use infusion bag has a single port for insertion of the infusion set only. Do not use this port to remove content from the bag or add another medication. Once the infusion bag has been connected to the infusion set, it is stable for 24 hours for intermittent or continuous use, as long as the bag stays connected to the infusion set. Discontinuation When discontinuing the infusion, reduce the flow rate gradually. Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Single dose only. Discard unused portion. 2.2 Dosage After an initial dose of 8 to 12 mcg per minute via intravenous infusion, assess patient response and adjust dosage to maintain desired hemodynamic effect. Monitor blood pressure every two minutes or continuously until the desired hemodynamic effect is achieved, and then monitor blood pressure every five minutes for the duration of the infusion. Recommended Average Maintenance Dosage: Typical maintenance intravenous dosage is 2 to 4 mcg per minute. 2.3 Drug Incompatibilities Avoid contact with iron salts and alkalizing and oxidizing agents. Whole blood or plasma, if indicated to increase blood volume, should be administered separately.

None. None. ( 4 )

The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: Tissue Ischemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Cardiac Arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] The most common adverse reactions are hypertension and bradycardia. The following adverse reactions can occur: Nervous system disorders: Anxiety, headache Respiratory disorders: Respiratory difficulty, pulmonary edema Most common adverse reactions are ischemic injury, bradycardia, anxiety, transient headache, respiratory difficulty, and extravasation necrosis at injection site. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Long Grove Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-855-642-2594 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types may result in hypertension. ( 7.1 ) Cyclopropane and halothane anesthetics increase cardiac autonomic irritability. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 MAO-Inhibiting Drugs Co-administration of Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or other drugs with MAO-inhibiting properties (e.g., linezolid) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. If administration of Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection cannot be avoided in patients who recently have received any of these drugs and in whom, after discontinuation, MAO activity has not yet sufficiently recovered, monitor for hypertension. 7.2 Tricyclic Antidepressants Co-administration of Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection with tricyclic antidepressants (including amitriptyline, nortriptyline, protriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. If administration of Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection cannot be avoided in these patients, monitor for hypertension. 7.3 Antidiabetics Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection can decrease insulin sensitivity and raise blood glucose. Monitor glucose and consider dosage adjustment of antidiabetic drugs. 7.4 Halogenated Anesthetics Concomitant use of Norepinephrine in Sodium Chloride Injection with halogenated anesthetics (e.g., cyclopropane, desflurane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane) may lead to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Monitor cardiac rhythm in patients receiving concomitant halogenated anesthetics.