Fenoldopam (Intravenous)

Fenoldopam injection is used in hospitals for short-term management of severe hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults, for up to 48 hours. It is used when there is a need to quickly lower blood pressure, including in cases of malignant hypertension with worsening end-organ function. This medicine is also used in children for short-term reduction of blood pressure in the hospital, for up to 4 hours.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Your doctor will closely monitor your or your child's progress while receiving this medicine. This will help ensure the medicine is working correctly. Blood tests may be required to check for side effects.

Hypokalemia may happen after less than 6 hours of receiving this medicine. Inform your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, or an uneven heartbeat.

Contact your doctor right away if you or your child has blurred vision, changes in vision, chest pain, decreased urine output, rapid weight gain, or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet. These could be signs of a new hypertensive emergency.

Do not take other medicines unless your doctor has discussed them with you. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will assess the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it may provide. Here are some important points to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Current studies have not shown any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the effectiveness of fenoldopam injection in children.

Geriatric

Current studies have not shown any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the effectiveness of fenoldopam injection in older adults. However, older patients are more likely to have kidney, liver, or heart issues, which may require caution and a dose adjustment for those receiving this medicine.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together with caution. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medicines. It is very important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the following medicines while receiving this medicine. The following interactions are based on their potential significance but may not be a complete list.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of use for one or both medicines.

• Acebutolol
• Alprenolol
• Atenolol
• Befunolol
• Betaxolol
• Bevantolol
• Bisoprolol
• Bopindolol
• Bucindolol
• Carteolol
• Carvedilol
• Celiprolol
• Dilevalol
• Esmolol
• Labetalol
• Landiolol
• Levobunolol
• Mepindolol
• Metipranolol
• Metoprolol
• Nadolol
• Nebivolol
• Nipradilol
• Olanzapine
• Oxprenolol
• Penbutolol
• Pindolol
• Propranolol
• Risperidone
• Sotalol
• Talinolol
• Tertatolol
• Timolol
• Xamoterol

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime, or with certain types of food, as interactions may occur. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Allergy to sulfites or
• Asthma—This medicine contains sodium metabisulfite, which can cause allergic reactions in patients with these conditions.

• Glaucoma, open-angle or
• Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) or
• Ocular hypertension (increased pressure in the eye) or
• Tachycardia (fast or uneven heartbeat)—Use with caution. May worsen these conditions.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do happen, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

• Chest pain or discomfort
• convulsions
• decrease in the amount of urine
• dilated neck veins
• dry mouth
• extreme fatigue
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• increased thirst
• irregular breathing
• loss of appetite
• mood changes
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea or vomiting
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• shortness of breath
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weight gain

Incidence not known

• Blurred vision
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• sweating

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• headache

Less common or rare

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• anxiety
• dizziness
• increased sweating
• muscle spasms
• trouble sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Corlopam

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antihypertensive

Pharmacologic Class: Dopamine Agonist

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

You or your child may receive other medicines taken by mouth during treatment or after receiving this medicine.