Alternative Pharmacological Management of Vasopressor Extravasation in the Absence of Phentolamine.

Vasopressor extravasation is a rare adverse drug reaction that can lead to tissue damage, ischemia, and necrosis of the affected area when vasopressors are administered peripherally. Phentolamine, a nonselective, reversible alpha antagonist, is the current standard treatment for this adverse reaction, but it is often unavailable for use. This review seeks to synthesize the available data in order to recommend alternative pharmacological options for use when phentolamine is not available. After an extensive literature search, 16 publications were reviewed. A treatment algorithm was created that recommends a combination of subcutaneous terbutaline, a selective beta2 agonist, and topical nitroglycerin, an organic nitrate, for adults; and topical nitroglycerin monotherapy for children younger than 2 years of age. However, further research and case reports are required in order to establish a new standard of care for the treatment of vasopressor extravasation.