Does Levophed Need a Central Line?

When it comes to vasopressor administration, hospital pharmacists are traditionally taught that it must be through central venous access. When it comes to vasopressor administration, hospital pharmacists are traditionally taught that it must be through central venous access, or a central line.

Does norepinephrine require central line?

This is septic shock, and you need to start a vasopressor, but the hospital protocol is that norepinephrine should only be given through a central line.

Why do you need a central line for Levophed?

Central lines are still widely believed to be necessary for safe infusion of vasopressors to patients in shock, to avoid tissue ischemic injury from local extravasation (and vasopressor interruption) if a peripheral IV infiltrates subcutaneous tissue.