OraVerse: Reversal of soft tissue (lip, tongue) anesthesia and the associated functional deficits resulting from an intraoral submucosal injection of a local anesthetic containing a vasoconstrictor in adult and pediatric patients ≥3 years.
Note: The phentolamine-blocking test for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma has largely been supplanted by the measurement of catecholamine concentrations and catecholamine metabolites (eg, metanephrine) in the plasma and urine; reserve phentolamine for cases when additional confirmation is necessary to determine diagnosis.
Hypersensitivity to phentolamine, any component of the formulation, or related compounds; MI (or history of MI), coronary insufficiency, angina, or other evidence suggestive of coronary artery disease (excluding OraVerse)
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Hypotension
Extravasation of norepinephrine, management (manufacturer 's labeling): Local infiltration: Inject 5 to 10 mg (diluted in 10 mL 0.9% sodium chloride) into extravasation area (as soon as extravasation is noted but within 12 hours of extravasation).
Extravasation of sympathomimetic vasopressors, management (off-label use): Infiltrate extravasation site with 5 to 10 mg diluted in 10 to 15 mL 0.9% sodium chloride as soon as possible after extravasation (Peberdy 2010).
Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (phentolamine-blocking test):Note: The phentolamine-blocking test for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma has largely been supplanted by the measurement of catecholamine concentrations and catecholamine metabolites (eg, metanephrine) in the plasma and urine; reserve phentolamine for cases when additional confirmation is necessary to determine diagnosis: IM, IV: 5 mg
Hypertensive episodes associated with pheochromocytoma, prevention and management:Note: In the perioperative period, the use of other agents may be preferred due to slow onset of action and prolonged duration of phentolamine in comparison to the other agents (eg, nitroprusside) (Miller 2010).
Preoperative: IM, IV: 5 mg given 1 to 2 hours before surgery and repeat if needed.
Intraoperative: IV: Administer 5 mg as indicated to prevent or control paroxysms of hypertension, tachycardia, respiratory depression, seizure, or other effects associated with epinephrine intoxication resulting from tumor manipulation or other stressor (eg, intubation) (Miller 2010).
Hypertensive crisis (off-label use):Note: Generally used in the setting of catecholamine excess (eg, pheochromocytoma) (Marik 2007): IV: 1 to 5 mg bolus; maximum single dose: 15 mg. A continuous infusion may be administered after initial bolus dosing (eg, 1 mg/hour titrated to blood pressure response) to a maximum infusion rate of 40 mg/hour (McMillian 2011).
Reversal of oral soft tissue (lip, tongue) anesthesia (OraVerse): Infiltration or block technique: Submucosal oral injection: Note: Dose is based upon the number of cartridges of local anesthetic administered. Infiltration or block injection:
0.1 mg if one-quarter cartridge of anesthesia was administered
0.2 mg if one-half cartridge of anesthesia was administered
0.4 mg if 1 cartridge of anesthesia was administered
0.8 mg if 2 cartridges of anesthesia were administered
Refer to adult dosing.
Extravasation of norepinephrine, management (manufacturer 's labeling): Local infiltration: Inject 5 to 10 mg (diluted in 10 mL 0.9% sodium chloride) into extravasation area (as soon as extravasation is noted but within 12 hours of extravasation).
Extravasation of sympathomimetic vasopressors, management (off-label use): Infiltrate extravasation site with 5 to 10 mg diluted in 10 to 15 mL 0.9% sodium chloride as soon as possible after extravasation (Peberdy 2010).
Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (phentolamine-blocking test):Note: The phentolamine-blocking test for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma has largely been supplanted by the measurement of catecholamine concentrations and catecholamine metabolites (eg, metanephrine) in the plasma and urine; reserve phentolamine for cases when additional confirmation is necessary to determine diagnosis.
IM: 3 mg
IV: 1 mg
Hypertensive episodes associated with pheochromocytoma, prevention and management:Note: In the perioperative period, the use of other agents may be preferred due to slow onset of action and prolonged duration of phentolamine in comparison to the other agents (eg, nitroprusside) (Miller 2010).
Preoperative: IM, IV: 1 mg given 1 to 2 hours before surgery and repeat if needed.
Intraoperative: IV: Administer 1 mg as indicated to prevent or control paroxysms of hypertension, tachycardia, respiratory depression, seizure, or other effects associated with epinephrine intoxication resulting from tumor manipulation or other stressor (eg, intubation) (Miller 2010).
Reversal of oral soft tissue (lip, tongue) anesthesia (OraVerse): Children ≥3 years weighing ≥15 kg and Adolescents: Infiltration or block technique: Submucosal oral injection:
Weight 15 to <30 kg: 0.2 mg maximum dose
Weight ≥30 kg: Refer to adult dosing. A dose of >0.4 mg has not been studied in children <4 years.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling.
Powder for injection: Reconstitute 5 mg vial with 1 mL sterile water for injection. For treatment of extravasation, further dilute 5 to 10 mg in 10 mL of normal saline (manufacturer 's recommendation) or in 10 to 15 mL of saline (Peberdy 2010).
Extravasation management (treatment), sympathomimetic vasopressors: Stop vesicant infusion immediately and disconnect IV line (leave needle/cannula in place); gently aspirate extravasated solution from the IV line (do NOT flush the line); remove needle/cannula; elevate extremity. Inject phentolamine 5 to 10 mg/10 mL saline into extravasation site (as soon as possible but within 12 hours of extravasation). AHA recommends diluting 5 to 10 mg in 10 to 15 mL saline and administering into the site (Peberdy 2010).
Pheochromocytoma diagnosis: Patient should be supine throughout test, preferable in a quiet, dark room. Blood pressure should be monitored every 10 minutes for at least 30 minutes, delay phentolamine administration until after blood pressure is stable (at an untreated, hypertensive level). A drop in blood pressure >35 mm Hg (systolic) and >25 mm Hg (diastolic) is considered a positive response. If blood pressure is elevated, unchanged, or decrease is <35 mm Hg (systolic) and <25 mm Hg (diastolic), then response is negative. Confirm positive response with other diagnostic measure. Negative responses do not exclude a pheochromocytoma diagnosis, particularly in patients with paroxysmal hypertension where an incidence of false negatives is high.
IM: After IM injection, monitor blood pressure every 5 minutes for 35 to 40 minutes. Blood pressure drops to above parameters within 20 minutes are considered positive.
IV: Inject rapidly (after venous response to venipuncture has subsided); then monitor blood pressure immediately after injection, every 30 seconds for 3 minutes, then every minute for 7 minutes. Maximum response is generally achieved within 2 minutes; duration may last 15 to 30 minutes (although return to prior blood pressure may be sooner).
Pheochromocytoma-associated hypertensive episode: Administer IM or IV 1 to 2 hours prior to surgery and repeat during surgery (IV) if necessary.
Reversal of oral soft tissue (lip, tongue) anesthesia (OraVerse): Submucosal oral injection: Use the same location and dental technique employed for administration of the local anesthetic.
Hypertensive crisis (off-label use): Administer as an IV bolus (Marik 2007); may follow with a continuous IV infusion (McMillian 2011).
Powder for injection: Store intact vials 20 ‚ °C to 25 ‚ °C (68 ‚ °F to 77 ‚ °F). Reconstituted solution should be used immediately after preparation (per manufacturer).
Solution for injection (OraVerse): Store at 20 ‚ °C to 25 ‚ °C (68 ‚ °F to 77 ‚ °F); brief excursions permitted between 15 ‚ °C to 30 ‚ °C (59 ‚ °F to 86 ‚ °F). Protect from direct heat and light. Do not freeze.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Solution, Injection, as mesylate:
Generic: 5 mg/mL (1 mL [DSC])
Solution, Injection, as mesylate [preservative free]:
OraVerse: 0.4 mg/1.7 mL (1.7 mL) [contains edetate disodium; dental cartridge]
Solution Reconstituted, Injection, as mesylate:
Generic: 5 mg (1 ea)
Stable in NS.
Alpha-/Beta-Agonists: Alpha1-Blockers may diminish the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists. Similarly, Alpha-/Beta-Agonists may antagonize Alpha1-Blocker vasodilation. Monitor therapy
Alpha1-Agonists: Alpha1-Blockers may diminish the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Similarly, Alpha1-Agonists may antagonize Alpha1-Blocker vasodilation. Monitor therapy
Alpha1-Blockers: May enhance the antihypertensive effect of other Alpha1-Blockers. Avoid combination
Amifostine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Amifostine. Management: When amifostine is used at chemotherapy doses, blood pressure lowering medications should be withheld for 24 hours prior to amifostine administration. If blood pressure lowering therapy cannot be withheld, amifostine should not be administered. Consider therapy modification
Amphetamines: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Monitor therapy
Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]): Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Monitor therapy
Barbiturates: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Beta-Blockers: May enhance the orthostatic hypotensive effect of Alpha1-Blockers. The risk associated with ophthalmic products is probably less than systemic products. Exceptions: Levobunolol; Metipranolol. Monitor therapy
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Calcium Channel Blockers: Alpha1-Blockers may enhance the hypotensive effect of Calcium Channel Blockers. Monitor therapy
Dapoxetine: May enhance the orthostatic hypotensive effect of Alpha1-Blockers. Monitor therapy
Diazoxide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
DULoxetine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of DULoxetine. Monitor therapy
Herbs (Hypertensive Properties): May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Monitor therapy
Herbs (Hypotensive Properties): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Hypotension-Associated Agents: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Monitor therapy
Levodopa: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Levodopa. Monitor therapy
Methylphenidate: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Monitor therapy
Molsidomine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Nicorandil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Nitroprusside: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Nitroprusside. Monitor therapy
Obinutuzumab: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Management: Consider temporarily withholding blood pressure lowering medications beginning 12 hours prior to obinutuzumab infusion and continuing until 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Consider therapy modification
Pentoxifylline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Alpha1-Blockers. Management: Ensure patient is stable on one agent prior to initiating the other, and always initiate combination using the lowest possible dose of the drug being added. When tadalafil is used for treatment of BPH, concurrent alpha 1-blockers are not recommended. Consider therapy modification
Prostacyclin Analogues: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Quinagolide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Yohimbine: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Monitor therapy
Blood pressure, heart rate; monitor and document extravasation site; monitor patient for orthostasis; assist patient with ambulation
Frequency not always defined.
Cardiovascular: Bradycardia (OraVerse 2% to 4%), hypertension (OraVerse <3%), cerebrovascular occlusion, hypotension, myocardial infarction
Central nervous system: Mouth pain (OraVerse ≤19%), headache (OraVerse 6%), paresthesia (OraVerse <3%; mild, transient), cerebrovascular spasm
Dermatologic: Facial swelling (OraVerse <3%), pruritus (OraVerse <3%)
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (OraVerse <3%), upper abdominal pain (OraVerse <3%), vomiting (OraVerse <3%), nausea
Local: Pain at injection site (OraVerse 6%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Jaw pain (OraVerse <3%)
Miscellaneous: Postinjection pain (10%)
Postmarketing and/or case reports (Limited to important or life-threatening): Cardiac arrhythmia, orthostatic hypotension
OraVerse Cmax ~3.5-fold higher in children weighing 15 to 30 kg compared with children weighing >30 kg.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Cardiovascular effects: MI, cerebrovascular spasm, and cerebrovascular occlusion have been reported following administration, usually associated with hypotensive episodes producing shock-like states. Tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias may occur. Use with caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Discontinue if symptoms of angina occur or worsen.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Appropriate use: The use of phentolamine as a blocking agent in the screening of patients with hypertension has predominantly been replaced with urinary/biochemical assays; phentolamine use should be reserved for situations where additional confirmation is necessary and after risks associated with use have been considered.
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Adverse events have been observed in some oral animal reproduction studies. Diagnosing and treating pheochromocytoma is critical for favorable maternal and fetal outcomes (Schenker 1971; Schenker 1982).
Competitively blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors (nonselective) to produce brief antagonism of circulating epinephrine and norepinephrine to reduce hypertension caused by alpha effects of these catecholamines and minimizes tissue injury due to extravasation of these and other sympathomimetic vasoconstrictors (eg, dopamine, phenylephrine); also has a positive inotropic and chronotropic effect on the heart thought to be due to presynaptic alpha-2 receptor blockade which results in release of presynaptic norepinephrine (Hoffman 1980)
OraVerse: Causes vasodilation and increased blood flow in injection area via alpha-adrenergic blockade to accelerate reversal of soft tissue anesthesia
Hepatic
Urine (~13% as unchanged drug)
IM: 15 to 20 minutes; IV: 1 to 2 minutes (Chobanian 2003)
Peak effect: OraVerse: 10 to 20 minutes
IM: 30 to 45 minutes; IV: 10 to 30 minutes (Chobanian 2003)
IV: 19 minutes; Submucosal injection: ~2 to 3 hours
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience loss of strength and energy, flushing, rhinorrhea, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or injection site pain. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of severe cerebrovascular disease (change in strength on one side is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or change in eyesight), angina, tachycardia, arrhythmia, severe dizziness, or passing out (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.