Class
Description
Onset and Duration
Indications
Contraindications
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
How Supplied
Dosage and Administration
Special Considerations
Sympathomimetic
Dopamine is chemically related to epinephrine and norepinephrine. It acts primarily on alph1- and beta1- adrenergic receptors, increasing systemic vascular resistance and exerting a positive inotropic effect on the heart. In addition, the actions of this drug on dopaminergic receptors dilate renal and splanchnic vasculature, maintaining blood flow. Dopamine is commonly used to treat hypotension associated with cardiogenic shock.
Hypotension
Low cardiac output states
Tachydysrhythmias
Ventricular fibrillation
Patients with pheochromocytoma
Dose-related tachydysrhythmias
Hypertension
Increased myocardial oxygen demand
May be deactivated by alkaline solutions (sodium bicarbonate and furosemide).
MAOIs and bretylium may potentiate the effect of dopamine.
Sympathomimetics and phosphodiesterase inhibitors exacerbate dysrhythmia response.
Beta-adrenergic antagonists may blunt inotropic response.
When administered with phenytoin, hypotension, bradycardia, and seizures may develop.
200 mg/5 ml, 400 mg/5 ml prefilled syringe and ampule for IV infusion (IV piggyback)
Pregnancy safety: Not well established.
Infuse through a large, stable vein to avoid the possibility of extravasation injury.
Monitor patient for signs of compromised circulation.