Control of gastrointestinal bleeding

Intragastric and intraperitoneal administration of norepinephrine results in its absorption into the portal circulation and its inactivation by the liver. Intestinal and gastric vasoconstriction can be accomplished without the danger of systemic effects. Dangerous anoxia to the bowel does not occur after single dose of moderate size. The vasoconstriction produced by either the intraperitoneal or the intragastric route is sufficient to produce hemostasis in otherwise fatal hemorrhage induced in animal models or occurring in clinical cases of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding.