What is the recommended starting infusion rate for norepinephrine in adults?

The recommended starting infusion rate for norepinephrine in adults is typically in the range of 0.05-0.1 µg/kg/min. Norepinephrine is a potent vasopressor used primarily to maintain blood pressure in patients experiencing septic shock or other forms of acute hypotension. The starting dose is set at this lower range to minimize the risk of excessive vasoconstriction and related adverse effects, such as profound hypertension or tissue ischemia.

Starting norepinephrine at this specified rate allows for careful titration based on the patient’s hemodynamic response. Clinicians can gradually increase the dose if needed, monitoring closely for effectiveness and side effects. Using a higher initial dosage, like those in the other options, may not only increase the risk of complications but may also lead to excessively high blood pressure, which is unsuitable for patient management in many scenarios.