Baxter's new hypotension drug approved by FDA

DEERFIELD - Baxter International Inc. announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval and commercial launch of premix norepinephrine injection to treat life-threating hypotension.

Norepinephrine raises blood pressure in adult patients with severe, acute hypotension, or low blood pressure.

Baxter's formulation of norepinephrine is the first and only manufacturer-prepared, ready-to-use formulation and is available in 4 milligram and 8 mg strengths.

"In a critical care situation, speed, efficiency and safety are of the utmost priority," said Heather Knight, general manager, U.S. Hospital Products, Baxter. "Our ready-to-use formulation of norepinephrine allows hospitals to store this medication closer to patient care settings like the emergency department, intensive care unit and surgical areas, letting them administer it faster while reducing the risk of compounding errors or touch contamination."