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Norepinephrine (Levophed)
Norepinephrine is a catecholamine that binds to alpha and beta adrenergic receptors to increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Norepinephrine is a catecholamine that binds to alpha and beta adrenergic receptors to increase blood pressure and heart rate. Used for Acute hypotension and shock (cardiogenic, septic, hypovolemic), Blood pressure support during anesthesia and critical care.
At a glance
| Generic name | Norepinephrine (Levophed) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Louisville |
| Drug class | Catecholamine; sympathomimetic amine |
| Target | Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor; alpha-2 adrenergic receptor; beta-1 adrenergic receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Norepinephrine acts as both a neurotransmitter and sympathomimetic agent, stimulating alpha-1 adrenergic receptors to cause vasoconstriction and increase peripheral vascular resistance, while also activating beta-1 receptors to enhance cardiac contractility and heart rate. It is used clinically to restore and maintain blood pressure in acute hypotensive states by increasing systemic vascular resistance and cardiac output.
Approved indications
- Acute hypotension and shock (cardiogenic, septic, hypovolemic)
- Blood pressure support during anesthesia and critical care
Common side effects
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Arrhythmias
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Tissue necrosis at infusion site
Key clinical trials
- Clinical Outcome and Cost-effectiveness of Reduced Noradrenaline by Using a Lower Blood Pressure Target in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock From Acute Myocardial Infarction (PHASE4)
- Double Plasma Separation and Adsorption in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (DPMAS-ACLF Trial) (NA)
- Vasopressor Impact on Brain Circulation, Organ Blood Flow and Tissue Oxygenation During Anesthesia (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Australasian Resuscitation In Sepsis Evaluation: FLUid or Vasopressors In Emergency Department Sepsis (PHASE3)
- The Effect of Peppermint Oil Aromatherapy on Pain, Functional Capacity and Cost in Fibromyalgia Patients (NA)
- Role of Combination Therapy of Glucose Insulin Potassium Infusion (GIK), Intravenous Hydrocortisone and Oral Sevelamer in Treatment of Acute Aluminum Phosphide Poisoned Cases Admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sohag University Hospitals. (NA)
- Analgesic Efficacy and Obstetric Effects of Tramadol, Paracetamol and Placebo in Active Labor (PHASE4)
- Early Co-Administration of Crystalloid Fluid and Norepinephrine for Preventing Acute Kidney Injury in Septic Shock (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Norepinephrine (Levophed) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Norepinephrine (Levophed) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Louisville portfolio CI