Fenoldopam Mesylate, Infusion fe-NOL-doh-pam MESS-i-late

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: vasodilator

Generic and brand names: fenoldopam mesylate, injection; Corlopam

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a vein) for short-term treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine or to sulfites (a preservative)
• a fast or irregular heartbeat
• angina (chest pain)
• asthma
• glaucoma
• heart failure
• low potassium levels in the blood

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given as an IV (in the vein) infusion. It is usually given in the hospital by your healthcare provider. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart function will be monitored.

What should I watch out for?

Healthcare providers will watch you carefully while you are in the hospital to see how the medicine affects you. Tell your provider right away if you have any symptoms that you think are caused by this medicine.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious: While you are receiving this medicine, your healthcare provider will carefully watch you for any serious side effects. Tell your provider right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden swelling in the legs or feet, or an irregular or fast heartbeat.

Other: Headache; nausea; vomiting; flushing; dizziness; dry mouth; stomach pain; sweating; diarrhea; pain, swelling, or redness around the injection site.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• beta blockers such as acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), pindolol, propranolol (Inderal LA), and sotalol (Betapace)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.