Class
Description
Onset and Duration
Indications
Contraindications
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
How Supplied
Dosage and Administration
Special Considerations
Sympathomimetic
Dobutamine is a synthetic catecholamine that stimulates alpha-, beta, -adrenergic receptors. The effects of this drug include positive inotropic effects with minimal changes in chronotropic activities or systemic vascular resistance. For these reasons, dobutamine is useful in managing congestive heart failure when an increase in heart rate is not desired.
Inotropic support for patients with left ventricular dysfunction
Tachydsrhythmias
Severe hypotension
Headache
Dose-related tachydysrhythmias
Hypertension
PVCs
Beta-adrenergic antagonists may blunt inotropic responses.
Sympathomimetics and phosphodiesterase inhibitors may exacerbate dysrhythmia responses.
Incompatible with sodium bicarbonate and furosemide.
250 mg/20 ml vials
Pregnancy safety: Not well established.
May be administered through a Y-site with concurrent dopamine, lidocaine, nitroprusside, and potassium chloride infusions.
Blood pressure should be closely monitored.
Increases in heart rate of more than 10% may induce or exacerbate myocardial ischemia.
Lidocaine should be readily available.