RT Journal A1 ZUCKER G, LEVINE J T1 PRessor and diminished local vasoconstrictor effects of levarterenol-phentolamine mixtures JF A.M.A. Archives of Internal Medicine JO A.M.A. Archives of Internal Medicine YR 1959 FD October 1 VO 104 IS 4 SP 607 OP 612 DO 10.1001/archinte.1959.00270100093015 UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1959.00270100093015 AB Levarterenol (l-norepinephrine [Levophed]) bitartrate is one of the most commonly used pressor amines in the treatment of shock. However, a major disadvantage is the development of ischemic necrosis in areas of accidental extravasation. On the basis of clinical use, starting in 1954, it was demonstrated by one of us1 that, in such areas, the local vasoconstrictor effect could be counteracted by phentolamine (Regitine) methanesulfonate, an antiadrenergic drug. When 5-10 mg. of the latter drug, diluted in 20 cc. of water, was infiltrated subcutaneously throughout the area of ischemia, the pallor and coldness disappeared within five to seven minutes. Untreated areas became necrotic. Similar observations have been made by McGinn and his co-workers,2 who added hyaluronidase to the phentolamine solution. Pelner 3 cited a case in which hyaluronidase favored the spread of ischemia. He also reported that another antiadrenergic drug, piperoxan (Benodaine), had an action similar to that