Fenoldopam
Generic name: fenoldopam [ fen-OL-doe-pam ]
Brand name: Corlopam
Dosage form: intravenous solution (10 mg/mL)
Drug class:Agents for hypertensive emergencies
What is fenoldopam?
Fenoldopam is used to quickly lower blood pressure for a short period of time.
fenoldopam is usually given in an emergency situation, until you can be given other medicines to control your blood pressure.
Fenoldopam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers about your health conditions. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you received this medicine.
Before taking this medicine
If possible before you receive fenoldopam, tell your caregivers if you have ever had:
It is not known whether fenoldopam will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications such as diabetes or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating hypertension may outweigh any risks to the baby.
You should not breastfeed while you are receiving fenoldopam.
In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received fenoldopam.
How is fenoldopam given?
Fenoldopam is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Fenoldopam is usually given only until your blood pressure is normal again.
Once your blood pressure has become stable, you may be given other medicine to help keep your blood pressure from getting too high. Keep using your blood pressure medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
After you are treated with fenoldopam, your blood pressure may need to be checked often. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to keep your blood pressure from getting too high.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Because you will receive fenoldopam as a continuous infusion in an emergency setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Since fenoldopam is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur. Tell your caregivers if you feel very light-headed during the fenoldopam infusion.
