What it means
A drug given by IV infusion to raise a dangerously low blood pressure, as in septic shock. Most work by tightening the blood vessels; some also make the heart beat harder. Common vasopressors are norepinephrinenor-ep-ih-NEF-rinA hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.Full entry , epinephrineep-ih-NEF-rinA hormone and drug, also called adrenaline, that raises heart rate and blood pressure and opens the airways.Full entry , phenylephrine, dopamine and vasopressin. They are given on a pump and adjusted (titrated) to a blood pressure goal.
For the nurse
Give it through a central line when possible, on a pump, with close blood pressure checks, often by an arterial line. Check the IV site often: if the drug leaks into the tissue (extravasationek-strav-uh-SAY-shunThe leaking of an IV drug that damages tissue (a vesicant) out of the vein into the surrounding tissue.extra- outsidevas/o vessel-ation processFull entry ) it can kill the tissue, so stop the infusion and follow the protocol at once. ISMP lists IV adrenergic agonists and IV vasopressin as high-alert medications.
At a glance
| Drug class | vasopressor |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Levophed (norepinephrine), Vasostrict (vasopressin) |
| Spanish | vasopresor |
| Also written | pressor, vasopressors, pressors |
Related terms
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
epinephrine
A hormone and drug, also called adrenaline, that raises heart rate and blood pressure and opens the airways.
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
norepinephrine
A hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.
extravasation
The leaking of an IV drug that damages tissue (a vesicant) out of the vein into the surrounding tissue.