norepinephrine bitartrate

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated to raise blood pressure in adult patients with severe, acute hypotension. Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection is a catecholamine indicated for restoration of blood pressure in adult patients with acute hypotensive states. ( 1 )

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Initial dose of 0.25 mL to 0.375 mL (from 8 mcg to 12 mcg of base) per minute, adjust the rate of flow to establish and maintain a low to normal blood pressure (usually 80 mm Hg to 100 mm Hg systolic) sufficient to maintain the circulation of vital organs. ( 2.2 ) The average maintenance dose ranges from 0.0625 mL to 0.125 mL per minute (from 2 mcg to 4 mcg of base). ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Correct Hypovolemia Address hypovolemia before initiation of norepinephrine bitartrate injection therapy. If the patient does not respond to therapy, suspect occult hypovolemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Administration Dilute norepinephrine bitartrate injection prior to use [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . Infuse norepinephrine bitartrate injection into a large vein. Avoid infusions into the veins of the leg in the elderly or in patients with occlusive vascular disease of the legs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Avoid using a catheter-tie-in technique. Discontinuation When discontinuing the infusion, reduce the flow rate gradually. Avoid abrupt withdrawal. 2.2 Dosage After an initial dosage of 8 to 12 mcg per minute via intravenous infusion, assess patient response and adjust dosage to maintain desired hemodynamic effect. Monitor blood pressure every two minutes until the desired hemodynamic effect is achieved, and then monitor blood pressure every five minutes for the duration of the infusion. Typical maintenance intravenous dosage is 2 to 4 mcg per minute. 2.3 Preparation of Diluted Solution Visually inspect norepinephrine bitartrate injection for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration (the solution is colorless). Do not use the solution if its color is pinkish or darker than slightly yellow or if it contains a precipitate. Add the content of one norepinephrine bitartrate injection vial (4 mg in 4 mL) to 1,000 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or Sodium Chloride Injection solutions that contain 5% dextrose to produce a 4 mcg per mL dilution. Dextrose reduces loss of potency due to oxidation. Administration in saline solution alone is not recommended. Use higher concentration solutions in patients requiring fluid restriction. Prior to use, store the diluted norepinephrine bitartrate injection solution for up to 24 hours at room temperature [20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)] and protect from light. 2.4 Drug Incompatibilities Avoid contact with iron salts, alkalis, or oxidizing agents. Whole blood or plasma, if indicated to increase blood volume, should be administered separately.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: Norepinephrine bitartrate in either 5% Dextrose or 0.9% Sodium Chloride is a colorless to slightly yellow solution for intravenous infusion, supplied in 250-mL single dose containers as: • 4 mg equivalent of norepinephrine (16 mcg/mL). • 8 mg equivalent of norepinephrine (32 mcg/mL). • 16 mg equivalent of norepinephrine (64 mcg/mL). Injection: 250-mL single dose-containers with • 4 mg equivalent of norepinephrine (16 mcg/mL) in 5% Dextrose or 0.9% Sodium Chloride. • 8 mg equivalent of norepinephrine (32 mcg/mL) in 5% Dextrose or 0.9% Sodium Chloride. • 16 mg equivalent of norepinephrine (64 mcg/mL) in 5% Dextrose or 0.9% Sodium Chloride.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. • None. ( 4 )

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: • Tissue Ischemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Cardiac Arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Allergic Reactions associated with Sulfite [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 )] The most common adverse reactions are hypertension and bradycardia. The following adverse reactions can occur: Nervous system disorders: Anxiety, headache Respiratory disorders: Respiratory difficulty, pulmonary edema General disorders and administration site conditions : Extravasation, injection site necrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . Most common adverse reactions are hypertension, bradycardia, ischemic injury, anxiety, headache, respiratory difficulty, pulmonary edema, and extravasation necrosis at injection site. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Baxter Healthcare at 1-866-888-2472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or tricyclic antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types may result in hypertension. ( 7.1 , 7.2 ) • Antidiabetics: Norepinephrine can decrease insulin sensitivity and raise blood glucose ( 7.3 ) • Cyclopropane and halothane anesthetics increase cardiac autonomic irritability. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 MAO-Inhibiting Drugs Co-administration of Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or other drugs with MAO-inhibiting properties (e.g., linezolid) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. If administration of Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection cannot be avoided in patients who recently have received any of these drugs and in whom, after discontinuation, MAO activity has not yet sufficiently recovered, monitor for hypertension. 7.2 Tricyclic Antidepressants Co-administration of Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection with tricyclic antidepressants (including amitriptyline, nortriptyline, protriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. If administration of Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection cannot be avoided in these patients, monitor for hypertension. 7.3 Antidiabetics Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection can decrease insulin sensitivity and raise blood glucose. Monitor glucose and consider dosage adjustment of antidiabetic drugs. 7.4 Halogenated Anesthetics Concomitant use of Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection with halogenated anesthetics (e.g., cyclopropane, desflurane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane) may lead to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Monitor cardiac rhythm in patients receiving concomitant halogenated anesthetics.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Elderly patients may be at greater risk of developing adverse reactions ( 8.5 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited published data consisting of a small number of case reports and multiple small trials involving the use of norepinephrine in pregnant women at the time of delivery have not identified an increased risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus from hypotension associated with septic shock, myocardial infarction and stroke which are medical emergencies in pregnancy and can be fatal if left untreated. (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, using high doses of intravenous norepinephrine resulted in lowered maternal placental blood flow. Clinical relevance to changes in the human fetus is unknown since the average maintenance dose is ten times lower (see Data). Increased fetal reabsorptions were observed in pregnant hamsters after receiving daily injections at approximately 2 times the maximum recommended dose on a mg/m 3 basis for four days during organogenesis (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%-4% and 15%-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Hypotension associated with septic shock, myocardial infarction, and stroke are medical emergencies in pregnancy which can be fatal if left untreated. Delaying treatment in pregnant women with hypotension associated with septic shock, myocardial infarction and stroke may increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Life-sustaining therapy for the pregnant woman should not be withheld due to potential concerns regarding the effects of norepinephrine on the fetus. Data Animal Data A study in pregnant sheep receiving high doses of intravenous norepinephrine (40 mcg/min, at approximately 10 times the average maintenance dose of 2 mcg/min -4 mcg/min in human, on a mg/kg basis) exhibited a significant decrease in maternal placental blood flow. Decreases in fetal oxygenation, urine and lung liquid flow were also observed. Norepinephrine administration to pregnant rats on Gestation Day 16 or 17 resulted in cataract production in rat fetuses. In hamsters, an increased number of resorptions (29.1% in study group vs. 3.4% in control group), fetal microscopic liver abnormalities and delayed skeletal ossification were observed at approximately 2 times the maximum recommended intramuscular or subcutaneous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day from Gestation Day 7-10). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of norepinephrine in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Clinically relevant exposure to the infant is not expected based on the short half-life and poor oral bioavailability of norepinephrine. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of norepinephrine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Avoid administration of Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chlori …

12.1 Mechanism of Action Norepinephrine is a peripheral vasoconstrictor (alpha-adrenergic action) and an inotropic stimulator of the heart and dilator of coronary arteries (beta-adrenergic action).

11 DESCRIPTION Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection contains norepinephrine, a sympathomimetic amine. Norepinephrine is sometimes referred to as l-arterenol/Levarterenol or l-norepinephrine which differs from epinephrine by the absence of a methyl group on the nitrogen atom. Chemically, norepinephrine bitartrate monohydrate is (-)-α-(aminomethyl)-3,4-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol tartrate (1:1) (salt) monohydrate and has the following structural formula: Norepinephrine is sparingly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in alcohol and ether, and readily soluble in acids. Norepinephrine Bitartrate in 5% Dextrose Injection is supplied as a sterile aqueous solution administered by intravenous infusion. Each mL contains the equivalent of 16 mcg, 32 mcg, or 64 micrograms of norepinephrine base supplied as 31.9 mcg, 63.8 mcg, and 127.6 micrograms per mL of norepinephrine bitartrate monohydrate. It contains dextrose monohydrate (50 mg/mL) and may contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. It has a target pH of 3.7. The air in the containers has been displaced by nitrogen gas. Norepinephrine Bitartrate in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is supplied as a sterile aqueous solution administered by intravenous infusion. Each mL contains the equivalent of 16 mcg, 32 mcg, or 64 micrograms of norepinephrine base supplied as 31.9 mcg, 63.8 mcg, and 127.6 micrograms per mL of norepinephrine bitartrate monohydrate. It contains sodium chloride (9 mg/mL), sodium metabisulfite (3.2 mcg/mL, 6.4 mcg/mL and 12.8 mcg/mL, respectively) and may contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. It has a target pH of 3.8. The air in the containers has been displaced by nitrogen gas. Structural Formula

10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage with Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection may result in headache, severe hypertension, reflex bradycardia, marked increase in peripheral resistance, and decreased cardiac output. In case of overdosage, discontinue Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection until the condition of the patient stabilizes.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection for intravenous infusion is a colorless to slightly yellow solution available in single-dose, ready-to-use containers in an amber/foil overwrap. Each 250 mL of Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection , 4 mg/250 mL, 8 mg/250 mL, and 16 mg/250 mL contains the equivalent of 4 mg, 8 mg, and 16 mg of norepinephrine, respectively (provided as norepinephrine bitartrate monohydrate). Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Dextrose Injection or Norepinephrine Bitartrate in Sodium Chloride Injection is available in the following: Norepinephrine Bitartrate in 5% Dextrose Injection Product Description NDC Number Twenty containers of 4 mg/250 mL (16 mcg/mL) NDC 0338-0112-20 Twenty containers of 8 mg/250 mL (32 mcg/mL) NDC 0338-0108-20 Twenty containers of 16 mg/250 mL (64 mcg/mL) NDC 0338-0116-20 Norepinephrine Bitartrate in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection Product Description NDC Number Twenty containers of 4 mg/250 mL (16 mcg/mL) NDC 0338-0040-20 Twenty containers of 8 mg/250 mL (32 mcg/mL) NDC 0338-0042-20 Twenty containers of 16 mg/250 mL (64 mcg/mL) NDC 0338-0128-20 Store at room temperature [20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)], excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Once the overwrap is removed, the bag can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days.