What is the listed concentration for Levophed (norepinephrine) solution?

• A. 8 mg/100 ml
• B. 4 mg/250 ml
• C. 16 mg/250 ml
• D. 8 mg/250 ml

Answer: (D)

Infusion concentrations are chosen to make titration of a potent drug both practical and precise. For norepinephrine (Levophed), a common bag concentration is 8 mg in 250 mL, which equals 32 micrograms per milliliter.

This setup lets you adjust the dose in small, manageable steps. For example, to deliver about 0.1 mcg/kg/min to a 70 kg patient, you’re aiming for roughly 7 mcg per minute. At 32 mcg/mL, that requires about 0.22 mL per minute, or around 13 mL per hour. Such dosing increments are easy to calculate and adjust safely.

If the concentration were much higher, small changes in the infusion rate would cause large swings in the dose, increasing the risk of overshoot. If it were much lower, dose adjustments would require larger changes in flow, making titration less precise. The 8 mg/250 mL listing hits a balance that clinicians find practical for continuous vasopressor support.