metaraminol tartrate at a glance
Medicine class
Sympathomimetic vasopressor with predominantly alpha-adrenergic activity.
Usual setting
Given intravenously by a trained healthcare professional with haemodynamic monitoring.
What is metaraminol tartrate used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Acute hypotension caused by loss of vasoconstrictor tone, such as during spinal anaesthesia.
Use alongside accepted measures addressing the underlying cause of hypotension.
How does metaraminol tartrate work?
Metaraminol acts directly and indirectly at adrenergic receptors, with alpha effects predominating. It constricts peripheral blood vessels and can increase the force of heart contraction, raising blood pressure.
metaraminol tartrate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 0.5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL
How to take metaraminol tartrate
This is not for self-administration. The selected pre-filled syringe is given directly into a vein by an appropriately trained healthcare professional under close haemodynamic monitoring.
It is ready to use and should not be diluted.
The selected pre-filled syringe is not suitable for an infusion or syringe pump driver.
Use only a clear, colourless, particle-free solution from an intact pack.
Each syringe is for one patient and must be discarded after use.
metaraminol tartrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache.
- An excessive rise in blood pressure.
Get urgent medical advice
- Chest pain, breathlessness or signs of pulmonary oedema associated with severe hypertension.
- A slow, fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Cold, painful or poorly perfused limbs, which may indicate peripheral ischaemia.
- Injection-site abscess, tissue damage or skin sloughing, particularly after extravasation.
- Severe confusion, agitation or other marked mental-state changes.
metaraminol tartrate in pregnancy
There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Metaraminol should be used during pregnancy only when the clinician considers that the expected maternal benefit justifies the potential fetal risk, particularly in an acute emergency.
metaraminol tartrate while breastfeeding
It is not known whether metaraminol passes into human milk. A clinician should assess the need for treatment and use caution when it is given to someone who is breastfeeding.
metaraminol tartrate interactions
The clinical team should review current and recent medicines because several agents can alter metaraminol's cardiovascular effects.
Cyclopropane or halothane anaesthesia
Concurrent use should generally be avoided because of the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
Digitalis medicines, including digoxin
The combination may provoke ectopic or irregular cardiac rhythms.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
These may intensify the sympathomimetic and blood-pressure effects.
Common questions about metaraminol tartrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is metaraminol tartrate given during spinal anaesthesia?
Spinal anaesthesia can reduce blood-vessel tone and cause an acute fall in blood pressure. Metaraminol constricts blood vessels to help restore pressure while other appropriate measures are undertaken.
Is metaraminol tartrate a vasopressor?
Yes. It is a sympathomimetic vasopressor with predominantly alpha-adrenergic activity.
Can metaraminol tartrate cause high blood pressure?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.