Levophed

Levophed is similar to adrenaline. It is used to treat life-threatening low blood pressure (hypotension) that can happen with certain medical conditions or surgical procedures. This medicine is often used during CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).

Levophed may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Tell your caregivers immediately if you experience a serious side effect like a cold feeling anywhere in your body, blue lips or fingernails, trouble breathing, little or no urination, irritation or skin changes where the medicine was injected, slow heart rate, sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or balance.

If you can, before receiving Levophed, inform your caregivers if you have:

• high blood pressure (hypertension);
• diabetes;
• coronary artery disease;
• circulation problems;
• varicose veins;
• overactive thyroid; or
• asthma or a sulfite allergy.

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In an emergency, you might not be able to inform caregivers about your health conditions or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ensure that any doctor taking care of you later knows you received Levophed.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• pain, burning, irritation, discoloration, or skin changes where the injection was given;
• sudden numbness, weakness, or cold feeling anywhere in your body;
• slow or uneven heart rate;
• blue lips or fingernails, mottled skin;
• little or no urination;
• trouble breathing;
• problems with vision, speech, or balance; or
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Levophed is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Levophed is usually given for as long as needed until your body responds to the medication. Some people must receive this medicine for several days.

Your blood pressure, breathing, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving Levophed.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any pain, irritation, cold feeling, or other discomfort of your skin or veins where the medicine is injected. Levophed can damage the skin or tissues around the injection site if the medicine accidentally leaks out of the vein.

Since Levophed is given by a healthcare professional in an emergency setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose symptoms may include slow heartbeats, severe headache, sweating, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, pale skin, and stabbing chest pain.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

If you can, before you get Levophed, inform your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, especially:

• an antidepressant;
• blood pressure medication; or
• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Levophed, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all potential drug interactions are listed here.