fenoldopam

What is the most important information I should know about fenoldopam?

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.

What is fenoldopam?

Fenoldopam is used to quickly lower blood pressure for a short period of time.

This medicine 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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving fenoldopam?

If possible before you receive fenoldopam, tell your caregivers if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;
• low levels of potassium in your blood; or
• asthma or a sulfite allergy.

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.

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 this medicine.

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.

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 this medicine 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.

What should I avoid while receiving fenoldopam?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of fenoldopam?

• vision changes, severe headache;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• shortness of breath;
• pounding in your neck or ears; or
• low potassium level --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects may include:

• feeling light-headed;
• headache;
• nausea; or
• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect fenoldopam?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a beta blocker --atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect fenoldopam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about fenoldopam.