Metaraminol Torbay (Metaraminol Tartrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Metaraminol Torbay Used For?
Metaraminol Torbay is a medication that helps increase your blood pressure when it drops too low during medical procedures or as a reaction to other treatments.
Primary Uses
Metaraminol Torbay is used to increase your blood pressure which can drop during spinal anesthesia or can drop as a reaction to medications or surgical complications.
How It Works
Metaraminol Torbay is a sympathomimetic amine that strengthens the contraction of the heart muscle and constricts blood vessels to help increase blood pressure.
How to Take Metaraminol Torbay
Metaraminol Torbay must only be given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital setting. You cannot take this medication yourself.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide what dose of Metaraminol Torbay you will receive and how long you will receive it for. This depends on your medical condition and other factors, such as your weight. Metaraminol Torbay is administered in a hospital as an injection into a vein or diluted before use and given with fluids into a vein.
Important: This medication can only be given by healthcare professionals in a hospital – it is not for self-administration.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
- Breathlessness or any difficulty breathing
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and conditions to be aware of before receiving Metaraminol Torbay.
Who Should Not Take Metaraminol Torbay
Do not use if you are allergic to metaraminol tartrate, any other similar medicines or any of the ingredients. Metaraminol Torbay contains sodium metabisulfite which may cause an allergic-type reaction or an asthmatic episode in certain susceptible people. Do not use if you are being given cyclopropane or halothane anesthesia (unless clinical circumstances demand their use). Do not use if the solution is discolored, cloudy, turbid, or a precipitate is present.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have liver disease, heart or thyroid disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, malaria, or allergies to any other medicines, sulfites or any other substances including foods, preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Not for Children: Metaraminol Torbay is not recommended for use in children.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Metaraminol Torbay and affect how it works.
- Certain medicines used to treat depression, e.g. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s) or Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA’s)
- Digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart failure
Alcohol & Driving
There are important precautions to consider regarding alcohol consumption and driving while receiving this medication.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Metaraminol Torbay affects you.
Storage
Metaraminol Torbay should only be given to you in a hospital. It should be kept in the original packaging until it has been given to you. Metaraminol Torbay must be stored below 25°C protected from light.
Overdose Information
As Metaraminol Torbay is always given to you in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor, it is unlikely that you will receive an overdose. However, you should tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you feel unwell at all whilst you are being given Metaraminol Torbay. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea and/or vomiting, excessive sweating, breathlessness, tightness or pain in the chest, fast or slow heart beat, feeling of happiness, convulsions, fits or seizures. If overdose occurs, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), or contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metaraminol Torbay is administered in a hospital as an injection into a vein or diluted before use and given with fluids into a vein. It must only be given by a doctor or nurse.
No, Metaraminol Torbay should only be given to you in a hospital setting by healthcare professionals. It is not available for home use.
Do not use Metaraminol Torbay if you are allergic to sulfites. The medication contains sodium metabisulfite which may cause an allergic-type reaction or an asthmatic episode in certain susceptible people.
Yes, your doctor or nurse will monitor your blood pressure while you are receiving Metaraminol Torbay treatment.
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Metaraminol Torbay affects you.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Metaraminol Torbay.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Also talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.