noradrenaline at a glance
Medicine class
Sympathomimetic vasopressor
Licensed use
Emergency restoration of blood pressure in adults with acute hypotension
Administration
A diluted, controlled intravenous infusion given by trained healthcare professionals
Monitoring
Blood pressure, heart rhythm, circulation, urine output and the infusion site require close monitoring
What is noradrenaline used for?
The selected product is licensed for adults as an emergency measure to restore blood pressure in acute hypotension.
Emergency treatment of severely low blood pressure in adults
How does noradrenaline work?
Noradrenaline mainly stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, tightening blood vessels and increasing vascular resistance. It also stimulates beta-1 receptors in the heart, which can increase the strength of contraction. Together, these effects raise blood pressure and support blood flow to vital organs.
noradrenaline preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 1 mg/mL
How to take noradrenaline
Noradrenaline is not taken by mouth or self-administered. In hospital, the concentrate is diluted and delivered into a vein as a controlled infusion, normally through a central venous catheter for the selected product.
It must not be infused undiluted.
The infusion is managed by staff with suitable monitoring facilities.
Tell staff promptly about discomfort or changes in colour or temperature near the infusion site.
noradrenaline side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported effects whose frequency cannot be estimated include headache, tremor, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and pale or flushed skin.
- Changes in heart rate, abnormal heart rhythm and high blood pressure may occur.
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction with hives, swelling, breathing difficulty or faintness
- Chest pain, severe breathlessness, serious abnormal heart rhythm or excessive hypertension
- Reduced circulation causing cold, pale or blue limbs, tissue ischaemia or, rarely, gangrene
- Leakage outside the vein causing pain, swelling and tissue damage
- Reduced kidney blood flow or urine output
noradrenaline in pregnancy
Noradrenaline may reduce placental blood flow, slow the fetal heart rate and stimulate uterine contraction. In an emergency, clinicians must balance these fetal risks against the potential benefit of restoring the mother's circulation.
noradrenaline while breastfeeding
It is not known whether noradrenaline passes into human milk. Use during breastfeeding requires an individual clinical assessment, particularly because it is normally given during critical illness.
noradrenaline interactions
The treating team should review current and recently stopped medicines because some combinations can cause severe hypertension, arrhythmias or altered noradrenaline effects.
Cyclopropane or halothane anaesthetics
Contraindicated with the selected product because serious cardiac arrhythmias may occur.
Other volatile halogenated anaesthetics
May sensitise the heart and increase the risk of severe ventricular arrhythmias.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and linezolid
May increase the pressor effect and require close medical supervision.
Common questions about noradrenaline
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is noradrenaline the same as norepinephrine?
Yes. Norepinephrine is an alternative name for the same active substance.
Why is noradrenaline given in intensive care?
It supports dangerously low blood pressure and organ perfusion while clinicians treat the underlying cause. Its effects require close cardiovascular monitoring.
Can noradrenaline be taken by mouth?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.