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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
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Published on: December 18, 2014
Safe administration of noradrenaline by the peripheral route: A systematic review
F Dámaso Fernández-Ginés1, María T Gómez Sánchez1, Marina Sánchez Valera1
1Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario Torrecárdenas, Almería, España.
Purpose:
To review and analyze the available literature on peripheral administration of noradrenaline (NA) with the aim of providing recommendations to ensure correct use and patient safety.
Methods:
Systematic review on the databases PubMed, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS and Science Direct, using the following search terms: ("Noradrenaline" [Mesh]) AND ("Norepinephrine" [Mesh]) AND ("Vasopressors" [Mesh]) AND ("Peripheral infusions" [Mesh]) OR ("Extravasations" [Mesh]). A total of 1,040 articles were identified. Animal studies and studies written in languages other than English were excluded. Finally, 83 articles were included.
Results:
NA can be administered peripherally. The risk of extravasation should be taken into account, with phentolamine being the first pharmacological line of treatment. It has also been related to the appearance of thrombophlebitis, cellulitis, tissue necrosis, limb ischemia and gangrene, although its incidence seems to be low. The use of peripheral NA in children seems to be carried out without obvious complications. The use of standard concentrations is suggested to reduce the risk of errors. It is recommended to use 0.9% saline as the default diluent for peripheral NA.
Conclusions:
Peripheral infusions of NA could be a safe and beneficial option in early resuscitation provided that a number of guidelines are followed that reduce the likelihood of complications associated with this route.
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