What is the typical dosage range for norepinephrine (Levophed) infusion?

• A. 0-10 mcg/min
• B. 5-15 mcg/min
• C. 0-30 mcg/min
• D. 50-100 mcg/min

Answer: (C)

Norepinephrine acts as a potent vasopressor, raising mean arterial pressure by constricting peripheral vessels. Because of that strong effect, it’s given as an IV infusion and titrated to the patient’s target perfusion pressure. In adults, the practical range used for infusion spans from very low doses up to about 30 mcg per minute, which covers initial titration and reaching hemodynamic goals in most cases. Dosing higher than this is more risky and less commonly needed, while using a much lower range may fail to achieve adequate perfusion in shock. In clinical practice, clinicians adjust the rate to achieve a target MAP (often ≥65 mmHg) while monitoring for signs of excessive vasoconstriction and tissue ischemia; individual factors like weight and comorbidities influence the exact dose, but the 0–30 mcg/min window reflects typical titration in many settings.