Name of the Procedure:

Injection, clevidipine butyrate, 1 mg (C9248)
Common Name: Clevidipine injection
Technical/Mediacl Term: Clevidipine butyrate injection

Summary

Clevidipine butyrate injection is a medical procedure where a medication called clevidipine is administered intravenously to help control high blood pressure. This process is typically used in hospital settings for patients who need rapid blood pressure reduction.

Purpose

Clevidipine injection is primarily used to quickly lower dangerously high blood pressure. The goal is to achieve safe blood pressure levels, thereby reducing the risk of severe complications such as stroke or heart attack.

Indications

• Severe hypertension (high blood pressure) requiring immediate control
• Hypertensive emergencies
• Patients undergoing surgery who need blood pressure management

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a certain period before the procedure if they are undergoing surgery.
• Medication adjustments may be necessary; patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking.
• Basic diagnostic tests, such as blood pressure monitoring and blood tests, may be needed to assess suitability.

Procedure Description

1. Patient is placed in a comfortable position, usually sitting or lying down.
2. An intravenous (IV) line is established in the patient's vein.
3. Clevidipine is administered through the IV using an infusion pump to control the rate of the drug entering the bloodstream.
4. Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is conducted throughout the procedure.
5. Dosage is adjusted based on the blood pressure response, to achieve the desired hypertension control.

Duration

The procedure itself can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the individual patient's response and the desired blood pressure target.

Setting

Performed in a hospital setting, often in the emergency room, intensive care unit (ICU), or during surgery in the operating room.

Personnel

• Prescribing physician (usually a cardiologist or anesthesiologist)
• Registered nurse to administer the drug and monitor the patient
• Pharmacist for medication preparation and dosage verification
• Anesthesiologist, if the procedure occurs in a surgical setting

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: headache, nausea, dizziness, and hypotension (excessively low blood pressure)
• Rare risks: allergic reactions, severe hypotension leading to shock, and acute kidney injury
• Management of complications involves adjusting the infusion rate, additional medications, or other supportive measures.

Benefits

• Rapid control of high blood pressure
• Reduced risk of severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, and organ damage
• Benefits typically observed within minutes of administration

Recovery

• Continuous monitoring in the hospital for several hours post-injection to ensure stable blood pressure levels.
• Follow-up appointments with healthcare provider to assess long-term blood pressure management.
• Temporary restrictions on activities may be advised based on individual recovery and underlying health conditions.

Alternatives

• Oral antihypertensive medications (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors)
• Other IV antihypertensive drugs (e.g., nitroprusside, labetalol)
• Pros: Oral medications are non-invasive and often suitable for long-term management.
• Cons: Oral medications may not act as quickly as clevidipine for emergency blood pressure control.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, patients might feel a slight discomfort from the IV insertion and initial infusion.
• After the procedure, patients may experience some mild side effects such as headache or dizziness.
• Pain management and comfort measures include close monitoring, adjusting medication dosages, and providing additional supportive care as needed.