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Drug Information  

Drugs That Increase Blood Pressure
(Vasopressors)

The Generic (common) Name of the drug is listed first, followed by a specific Product (brand) Name, which is an example of that generic drug. To learn more about an individual drug, click on its Generic Name or Product Name.

 
Examples:
 
Generic Name Marketer Example Product Name
Phenylephrine Sanofi-Synthelabo Neo-Synephrine
Norepinephrine N/A Norepinephrine
Dopamine AstraZeneca Dopamine


 
What are vasopressor drugs?
These drugs make blood vessels smaller and tighter. They are very powerful and are used only under close supervision.

 
Why are they given?
The doctor determines that the patient's blood pressure is too low and should be raised.

 
How long are they used?
Usually these drugs are used for short periods of time (hours or days).

 
Do they have side effects?
Side effects do occur. These drugs may make the heart use more oxygen than normal. Under certain circumstances they can narrow blood vessels too much and potentially harm body tissues by decreasing blood flow to a particular part of the body. Sometimes these drugs are associated with irregular heartbeats.
 


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