levo

Medical abbreviation · Drug

levo
Stands forLevophed (norepinephrine)
CategoriesMedical

levo stands for Levophed (norepinephrine), a drug abbreviation.

ICU slang for the vasopressor norepinephrine, from its brand name Levophed. Nurses and physicians speak of "starting levo" or "weaning levo" when managing shock.

Example: Levo at 12 mcg/min, MAP 68; wean as tolerated.

Usage notes

The shorthand is ambiguous because "levo" is also used for levofloxacin, levothyroxine and levetiracetam, all common hospital drugs, so ISMP lists "Levo" on its error-prone abbreviations list and recommends the full drug name. The nickname "Leave 'em dead" for Levophed dates from an era when it was used only in end-stage shock.

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.