With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.
DOWNLOAD PDFNorepinephrine is an alpha agonist medication. Activation of alpha receptors causes smooth muscle contraction, leading to constriction of blood vessels and subsequent increase in blood pressure.
Norepinephrine is also a beta-1 agonist, meaning that it stimulates beta-1 receptors in the heart, thereby increasing heart rate.
Norepinephrine is a vasopressor, which causes constriction of blood vessels. In instances of severe hypotension, norepinephrine can be given to produce a dramatic increase in blood pressure, potentially saving a patient’s life.
Because this medication is a potent vasoconstrictor, blood vessels will constrict causing less blood to perfuse the kidneys. Norepinephrine decreases renal blood flow in an attempt to supply blood to more vital organs, such as the brain and the heart, in a severe hypotensive crisis.
Cardiac arrhythmias can occur in patients receiving norepinephrine, related to excessive activation of beta-1 receptors in the heart.
If given in excess, vasoconstriction caused by activation of alpha-1 receptors may cause the patient to become hypertensive. Blood pressure should be monitored carefully in these patients to avoid a hypertensive crisis.
If norepinephrine extravasates or leaves the blood vessel during administration, it can cause tissue necrosis. If extravasation occurs, the antidote, phentolamine (Regitine) can be infused into necrosed area to allow blood vessels to re-expand.
Norepinephrine is a last resort medication and should be used only when other medical and/or pharmaceutical interventions have proven to be ineffective.
Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.
*Average video play time: 2-3 minutes
Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)
Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.
Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.