Levophed is the trade name for which substance?

Levophed is the trade name for norepinephrine, a crucial catecholamine used in clinical settings primarily to treat acute hypotension and septic shock. Norepinephrine acts primarily as a potent vasoconstrictor, stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors, which increases vascular tone and improves blood pressure. In addition, it has some beta-adrenergic activity, which can increase cardiac output.

Understanding the pharmacological properties of norepinephrine is vital for perfusionists, as it plays a significant role in managing a patient's hemodynamics, especially during and after surgical procedures. This ensures adequate perfusion and oxygen delivery to vital organs, which is critical in the context of cardiovascular surgeries and patient management in critical care.