AACN Exam CCRN-Adult Topic 1 Question 9 Discussion

Phentolamine (Regitine) is the antidote for norepinephrine extravasation, which is the leakage of the vasopressor from the vein into the surrounding tissue. Phentolamine reverses the vasoconstriction and ischemia caused by norepinephrine by blocking the alpha-adrenergic receptors. Phentolamine should be administered intradermally around the site of extravasation as soon as possible, and the infusion should be stopped but the IV catheter should not be removed until some of the norepinephrine is aspirated. A warm compress may worsen the tissue damage by increasing the absorption of norepinephrine, and lowering the extremity may increase the edema and pain. Removing the IV immediately may prevent the aspiration of norepinephrine and the administration of phentolamine.

Episode 240: What to do with norepinephrine extravasation: This article explains the steps to take when norepinephrine extravasates, including the use of phentolamine, and the reasons to avoid cold compress, lowering the extremity, and removing the IV.

What are current recommendations for treatment of drug extravasation?: This article summarizes the latest recommendations for treatment of extravasation, and lists phentolamine as the immediate topical therapy for norepinephrine extravasation.