Norepinephrine Bitartrate


Amneal Pharmaceuticals Llc
Human Prescription Drug
NDC 70121-1576
Norepinephrine Bitartrate is a human prescription drug labeled by 'Amneal Pharmaceuticals Llc'. National Drug Code (NDC) number for Norepinephrine Bitartrate is 70121-1576. This drug is available in dosage form of Injection, Solution, Concentrate. The names of the active, medicinal ingredients in Norepinephrine Bitartrate drug includes Norepinephrine Bitartrate - 1 mg/mL . The currest status of Norepinephrine Bitartrate drug is Active.

Drug Information:

Drug NDC: 70121-1576
The labeler code and product code segments of the National Drug Code number, separated by a hyphen. Asterisks are no longer used or included within the product code segment to indicate certain configurations of the NDC.
Proprietary Name: Norepinephrine Bitartrate
Also known as the trade name. It is the name of the product chosen by the labeler.
Product Type: Human Prescription Drug
Indicates the type of product, such as Human Prescription Drug or Human OTC Drug. This data element corresponds to the “Document Type” of the SPL submission for the listing.
Non Proprietary Name: Norepinephrine Bitartrate
Also known as the generic name, this is usually the active ingredient(s) of the product.
Labeler Name: Amneal Pharmaceuticals Llc
Name of Company corresponding to the labeler code segment of the ProductNDC.
Dosage Form: Injection, Solution, Concentrate
The translation of the DosageForm Code submitted by the firm. There is no standard, but values may include terms like `tablet` or `solution for injection`.The complete list of codes and translations can be found www.fda.gov/edrls under Structured Product Labeling Resources.
Status: Active
FDA does not review and approve unfinished products. Therefore, all products in this file are considered unapproved.
Substance Name:NOREPINEPHRINE BITARTRATE - 1 mg/mL
This is the active ingredient list. Each ingredient name is the preferred term of the UNII code submitted.
Route Details:INTRAVENOUS
The translation of the Route Code submitted by the firm, indicating route of administration. The complete list of codes and translations can be found at www.fda.gov/edrls under Structured Product Labeling Resources.

Marketing Information:

An openfda section: An annotation with additional product identifiers, such as NUII and UPC, of the drug product, if available.
Marketing Category: ANDA
Product types are broken down into several potential Marketing Categories, such as New Drug Application (NDA), Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA), BLA, OTC Monograph, or Unapproved Drug. One and only one Marketing Category may be chosen for a product, not all marketing categories are available to all product types. Currently, only final marketed product categories are included. The complete list of codes and translations can be found at www.fda.gov/edrls under Structured Product Labeling Resources.
Marketing Start Date: 17 Dec, 2018
This is the date that the labeler indicates was the start of its marketing of the drug product.
Marketing End Date: 22 Dec, 2025
This is the date the product will no longer be available on the market. If a product is no longer being manufactured, in most cases, the FDA recommends firms use the expiration date of the last lot produced as the EndMarketingDate, to reflect the potential for drug product to remain available after manufacturing has ceased. Products that are the subject of ongoing manufacturing will not ordinarily have any EndMarketingDate. Products with a value in the EndMarketingDate will be removed from the NDC Directory when the EndMarketingDate is reached.
Application Number: ANDA210839
This corresponds to the NDA, ANDA, or BLA number reported by the labeler for products which have the corresponding Marketing Category designated. If the designated Marketing Category is OTC Monograph Final or OTC Monograph Not Final, then the Application number will be the CFR citation corresponding to the appropriate Monograph (e.g. “part 341”). For unapproved drugs, this field will be null.
Listing Expiration Date: 31 Dec, 2024
This is the date when the listing record will expire if not updated or certified by the firm.

OpenFDA Information:

An openfda section: An annotation with additional product identifiers, such as NUII and UPC, of the drug product, if available.
Manufacturer Name:Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Name of manufacturer or company that makes this drug product, corresponding to the labeler code segment of the NDC.
RxCUI:242969
The RxNorm Concept Unique Identifier. RxCUI is a unique number that describes a semantic concept about the drug product, including its ingredients, strength, and dose forms.
Original Packager:Yes
Whether or not the drug has been repackaged for distribution.
UPC:0370121157618
UPC stands for Universal Product Code.
UNII:IFY5PE3ZRW
Unique Ingredient Identifier, which is a non-proprietary, free, unique, unambiguous, non-semantic, alphanumeric identifier based on a substance’s molecular structure and/or descriptive information.
Pharmacologic Class:Catecholamine [EPC]
Catecholamines [CS]
These are the reported pharmacological class categories corresponding to the SubstanceNames listed above.

Packaging Information:

Package NDCDescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End DateSample Available
70121-1576-710 VIAL in 1 CARTON (70121-1576-7) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL (70121-1576-1)17 Dec, 2018N/ANo
Package NDC number, known as the NDC, identifies the labeler, product, and trade package size. The first segment, the labeler code, is assigned by the FDA. Description tells the size and type of packaging in sentence form. Multilevel packages will have the descriptions concatenated together.

Product Elements:

Norepinephrine bitartrate norepinephrine bitartrate norepinephrine bitartrate norepinephrine sodium chloride sodium metabisulfite

Drug Interactions:

7 drug interactions monoamine oxidase inhibitors (maoi) or antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types may result in hypertension. ( 7.1 ) cyclopropane and halothane anesthetics increase cardiac autonomic irritability. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 mao-inhibiting drugs co-administration of norepinephrine with monoamine oxidase (mao) inhibitors or other drugs with mao-inhibiting properties (e.g., linezolid) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. if administration of norepinephrine 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 with tricyclic antidepressants (including amitriptyline, nortriptyline, protriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. if administration of norepinephrine cannot be avoided in these patients, monitor for hypertension.
7.3 antidiabetics norepinephrine 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 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.

7.1 mao-inhibiting drugs co-administration of norepinephrine with monoamine oxidase (mao) inhibitors or other drugs with mao-inhibiting properties (e.g., linezolid) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. if administration of norepinephrine 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 with tricyclic antidepressants (including amitriptyline, nortriptyline, protriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. if administration of norepinephrine cannot be avoided in these patients, monitor for hypertension.

7.3 antidiabetics norepinephrine 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 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.

Indications and Usage:

1 indications and usage norepinephrine bitartrate injection is indicated to raise blood pressure in adult patients with severe, acute hypotension. norepinephrine bitartrate injection is a catecholamine indicated for restoration of blood pressure in adult patients with acute hypotensive states. ( 1 )

Warnings and Cautions:

5 warnings and precautions tissue ischemia : avoid extravasation of norepinephrine into the tissues, as local necrosis might ensue due to the vasoconstrictive action of the drug. infuse norepinephrine bitartrate injection into a large vein. to prevent sloughing and necrosis in areas in which extravasation has taken place, the area should be infiltrated as soon as possible with 10 ml to 15 ml of saline solution containing from 5 mg to 10 mg of an adrenergic blocking agent. ( 5.1 ) hypotension after abrupt discontinuation : sudden cessation of the infusion rate may result in marked hypotension. reduce the norepinephrine infusion rate gradually. ( 5.2 ) cardiac arrhythmias : norepinephrine may cause arrhythmias. monitor cardiac function in patients with underlying heart disease. ( 5.3 ) allergic reactions with sulfite : norepinephrine bitartrate injection contains sodium metabisulfite. sulfite may cause allergic-type-reactions. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 tissue ischemia administration of norepinephrine
to patients who are hypotensive from hypovolemia can result in severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction, decreased renal perfusion and reduced urine output, tissue hypoxia, lactic acidosis, and reduced systemic blood flow despite “normal” blood pressure. address hypovolemia prior to initiating norepinephrine [see dosage and administration (2.1) ]. avoid norepinephrine in patients with mesenteric or peripheral vascular thrombosis, as this may increase ischemia and extend the area of infarction. gangrene of the extremities has occurred in patients with occlusive or thrombotic vascular disease or who received prolonged or high dose infusions. monitor for changes to the skin of the extremities in susceptible patients. extravasation of norepinephrine may cause necrosis and sloughing of surrounding tissue. to reduce the risk of extravasation, infuse into a large vein, check the infusion site frequently for free flow, and monitor for signs of extravasation [see dosage and administration (2.1) ]. emergency treatment of extravasation to prevent sloughing and necrosis in areas in which extravasation has occurred, infiltrate the ischemic area as soon as possible, using a syringe with a fine hypodermic needle with 5 mg to 10 mg of phentolamine mesylate in 10 ml to 15 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride injection in adults. sympathetic blockade with phentolamine causes immediate and conspicuous local hyperemic changes if the area is infiltrated within 12 hours. 5.2 hypotension after abrupt discontinuation sudden cessation of the infusion rate may result in marked hypotension. when discontinuing the infusion, gradually reduce the norepinephrine infusion rate while expanding blood volume with intravenous fluids. 5.3 cardiac arrhythmias norepinephrine elevates intracellular calcium concentrations and may cause arrhythmias, particularly in the setting of hypoxia or hypercarbia. perform continuous cardiac monitoring of patients with arrhythmias. 5.4 allergic reactions associated with sulfite norepinephrine bitartrate injection contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. the overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown. sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in non-asthmatic people.

5.1 tissue ischemia administration of norepinephrine to patients who are hypotensive from hypovolemia can result in severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction, decreased renal perfusion and reduced urine output, tissue hypoxia, lactic acidosis, and reduced systemic blood flow despite “normal” blood pressure. address hypovolemia prior to initiating norepinephrine [see dosage and administration (2.1) ]. avoid norepinephrine in patients with mesenteric or peripheral vascular thrombosis, as this may increase ischemia and extend the area of infarction. gangrene of the extremities has occurred in patients with occlusive or thrombotic vascular disease or who received prolonged or high dose infusions. monitor for changes to the skin of the extremities in susceptible patients. extravasation of norepinephrine may cause necrosis and sloughing of surrounding tissue. to reduce the risk of extravasation, infuse into a large vein, check the infusion site frequently for free flow, and m
onitor for signs of extravasation [see dosage and administration (2.1) ]. emergency treatment of extravasation to prevent sloughing and necrosis in areas in which extravasation has occurred, infiltrate the ischemic area as soon as possible, using a syringe with a fine hypodermic needle with 5 mg to 10 mg of phentolamine mesylate in 10 ml to 15 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride injection in adults. sympathetic blockade with phentolamine causes immediate and conspicuous local hyperemic changes if the area is infiltrated within 12 hours.

5.2 hypotension after abrupt discontinuation sudden cessation of the infusion rate may result in marked hypotension. when discontinuing the infusion, gradually reduce the norepinephrine infusion rate while expanding blood volume with intravenous fluids.

5.3 cardiac arrhythmias norepinephrine elevates intracellular calcium concentrations and may cause arrhythmias, particularly in the setting of hypoxia or hypercarbia. perform continuous cardiac monitoring of patients with arrhythmias.

5.4 allergic reactions associated with sulfite norepinephrine bitartrate injection contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. the overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown. sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in non-asthmatic people.

Dosage and Administration:

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 mcg 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 mcg per minute 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° to 25°c (68° 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.

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 mcg 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 mcg per minute 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° to 25°c (68° 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.

Dosage Forms and Strength:

3 dosage forms and strengths injection: 4 mg/4 ml (1 mg/ml norepinephrine base) sterile, clear, colorless or practically colorless to slightly yellow color solution in a single-dose amber glass vial. injection: 4 mg/4 ml (1 mg/ml) norepinephrine base in single-dose glass vial. ( 3 )

Contraindications:

4 contraindications none. none. ( 4 )

Adverse Reactions:

6 adverse reactions the following 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) ] 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 most common adverse reactions are ischemic injury, bradycardia, anxiety, transient headache, respiratory difficulty, and extravasation necrosis at injection site. ( 6 ) to report suspected adverse reactions, contact amneal pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 or fda at 1-800-fda-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Drug Interactions:

7 drug interactions monoamine oxidase inhibitors (maoi) or antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types may result in hypertension. ( 7.1 ) cyclopropane and halothane anesthetics increase cardiac autonomic irritability. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 mao-inhibiting drugs co-administration of norepinephrine with monoamine oxidase (mao) inhibitors or other drugs with mao-inhibiting properties (e.g., linezolid) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. if administration of norepinephrine 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 with tricyclic antidepressants (including amitriptyline, nortriptyline, protriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. if administration of norepinephrine cannot be avoided in these patients, monitor for hypertension.
7.3 antidiabetics norepinephrine 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 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.

7.1 mao-inhibiting drugs co-administration of norepinephrine with monoamine oxidase (mao) inhibitors or other drugs with mao-inhibiting properties (e.g., linezolid) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. if administration of norepinephrine 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 with tricyclic antidepressants (including amitriptyline, nortriptyline, protriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine) can cause severe, prolonged hypertension. if administration of norepinephrine cannot be avoided in these patients, monitor for hypertension.

7.3 antidiabetics norepinephrine 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 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.

Use in Specific Population:

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 for 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 the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 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 to 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 to 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 injection into the veins in the leg in elderly patients [see warnings and precautions (5.1) ] .

Use in Pregnancy:

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 organog
enesis ( see data) . the estimated background risk for 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 the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 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 to 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 to 10).

Pediatric Use:

8.4 pediatric use safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use:

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 injection into the veins in the leg in elderly patients [see warnings and precautions (5.1) ] .

Overdosage:

10 overdosage overdosage with norepinephrine may result in headache, severe hypertension, reflex bradycardia, marked increase in peripheral resistance, and decreased cardiac output. in case of overdosage, discontinue norepinephrine until the condition of the patient stabilizes.

Description:

11 description norepinephrine (sometimes referred to as l-arterenol/levarterenol or l-norepinephrine) is a sympathomimetic amine which differs from epinephrine by the absence of a methyl group on the nitrogen atom. norepinephrine bitartrate is (-)-α-(aminomethyl)-3,4-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol tartrate (1:1) (salt) monohydrate (molecular weight 337.28 g/mol) and has the following structural formula: norepinephrine bitartrate injection, usp is supplied in a sterile aqueous solution in the form of the bitartrate salt to be administered by intravenous infusion. norepinephrine bitartrate, usp is freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol and practically insoluble in chloroform and in ether. each ml contains 1 mg of norepinephrine base (equivalent to 1.89 mg of norepinephrine bitartrate, anhydrous basis), sodium chloride for isotonicity, not more than 0.2 mg of sodium metabisulfite as an antioxidant.it has ph of 3.0 to 4.5. the air in the containers has been displaced by nitrogen gas. 1

Clinical Pharmacology:

12 clinical pharmacology 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). 12.2 pharmacodynamics the primary pharmacodynamic effects of norepinephrine are cardiac stimulation and vasoconstriction. cardiac output is generally unaffected, although it can be decreased, and total peripheral resistance is also elevated. the elevation in resistance and pressure result in reflex vagal activity, which slows the heart rate and increases stroke volume. the elevation in vascular tone or resistance reduces blood flow to the major abdominal organs as well as to skeletal muscle. coronary blood flow is substantially increased secondary to the indirect effects of alpha stimulation. after intravenous administration, a pressor response occurs rapidly and reaches steady-state within 5 minutes. the pharmacologic actions of norepinephrine are terminated primari
ly by uptake and metabolism in sympathetic nerve endings. the pressor action stops within 1 to 2 minutes after the infusion is discontinued. 12.3 pharmacokinetics absorption following initiation of intravenous infusion, the steady-state plasma concentration is achieved in 5 min. distribution plasma protein binding of norepinephrine is approximately 25%. it is mainly bound to plasma albumin and to a smaller extent to prealbumin and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein. the volume of distribution is 8.8 l. norepinephrine localizes mainly in sympathetic nervous tissue. it crosses the placenta but not the blood-brain barrier. elimination the mean half-life of norepinephrine is approximately 2.4 min. the average metabolic clearance is 3.1 l/min. metabolism norepinephrine is metabolized in the liver and other tissues by a combination of reactions involving the enzymes catechol-o-methyltransferase (comt) and mao. the major metabolites are normetanephrine and 3-methoxyl-4-hydroxy mandelic acid (vanillylmandelic acid, vma), both of which are inactive. other inactive metabolites include 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol. excretion noradrenaline metabolites are excreted in urine primarily as sulphate conjugates and, to a lesser extent, as glucuronide conjugates. only small quantities of norepinephrine are excreted unchanged.

Mechanism of Action:

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).

Pharmacodynamics:

12.2 pharmacodynamics the primary pharmacodynamic effects of norepinephrine are cardiac stimulation and vasoconstriction. cardiac output is generally unaffected, although it can be decreased, and total peripheral resistance is also elevated. the elevation in resistance and pressure result in reflex vagal activity, which slows the heart rate and increases stroke volume. the elevation in vascular tone or resistance reduces blood flow to the major abdominal organs as well as to skeletal muscle. coronary blood flow is substantially increased secondary to the indirect effects of alpha stimulation. after intravenous administration, a pressor response occurs rapidly and reaches steady-state within 5 minutes. the pharmacologic actions of norepinephrine are terminated primarily by uptake and metabolism in sympathetic nerve endings. the pressor action stops within 1 to 2 minutes after the infusion is discontinued.

Pharmacokinetics:

12.3 pharmacokinetics absorption following initiation of intravenous infusion, the steady-state plasma concentration is achieved in 5 min. distribution plasma protein binding of norepinephrine is approximately 25%. it is mainly bound to plasma albumin and to a smaller extent to prealbumin and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein. the volume of distribution is 8.8 l. norepinephrine localizes mainly in sympathetic nervous tissue. it crosses the placenta but not the blood-brain barrier. elimination the mean half-life of norepinephrine is approximately 2.4 min. the average metabolic clearance is 3.1 l/min. metabolism norepinephrine is metabolized in the liver and other tissues by a combination of reactions involving the enzymes catechol-o-methyltransferase (comt) and mao. the major metabolites are normetanephrine and 3-methoxyl-4-hydroxy mandelic acid (vanillylmandelic acid, vma), both of which are inactive. other inactive metabolites include 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, 3,4-dihydroxymandelic aci
d, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol. excretion noradrenaline metabolites are excreted in urine primarily as sulphate conjugates and, to a lesser extent, as glucuronide conjugates. only small quantities of norepinephrine are excreted unchanged.

Nonclinical Toxicology:

13 nonclinical toxicology 13.1 carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, and fertility studies have not been performed.

Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis and Impairment of Fertility:

13.1 carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, and fertility studies have not been performed.

How Supplied:

16 how supplied/storage and handling norepinephrine bitartrate injection, usp is a sterile, colorless or practically colorless to slightly yellow color solution for injection intended for intravenous use. it contains the equivalent of 1 mg of norepinephrine base per 1 ml (4 mg/4 ml). it is available as 4 mg/4 ml in single-dose amber glass vials supplied as: 4 mg/4 ml (1 mg/ml): 10 x 4 ml single-dose vials in a carton: ndc 70121-1576-7 store at 20° to 25°c (68° to 77°f); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°c (59° to 86°f) [see usp controlled room temperature.] store in original carton until time of administration to protect from light. discard unused portion.

Information for Patients:

17 patient counseling information risk of tissue damage advise the patient, family, or caregiver to report signs of extravasation urgently [see warnings and precautions (5.1) ]. this product’s labeling may have been updated. for the most recent prescribing information, please visit www.amneal.com. manufactured by: amneal pharmaceuticals pvt. ltd. parenteral unit ahmedabad 382213, india distributed by: amneal pharmaceuticals llc bridgewater, nj 08807 rev. 08-2020-01

Package Label Principal Display Panel:

Principal display panel ndc 70121-1576-1 norepinephrine bitartrate injection, usp 4 mg/4 ml (1 mg/ml) r x only vial label amneal pharmaceuticals llc ndc 70121-1576-7 norepinephrine bitartrate injection, usp 4 mg/4 ml (1 mg/ml) r x only carton label (10 vials in carton) amneal pharmaceuticals llc 1 2


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