What is Dobutamine?
Dobutamine improves blood circulation and heart muscle by stimulating the heart. Dobutamine can be used to treat heart decompensation caused by weakened muscle. Dobutamine can be prescribed after trying other heart medications without success. Dobutamine can be used in other ways than those listed in the medication guide.
Side effects of Dobutamine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing and swelling to lips, face or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately.
If you:
- Rapid weight gain, swelling, and shortness of breath even with mild exercise;
- Chest pain; fast or pounding heartbeats;
- Feeling dizzy as though they might pass out.
- Chest tightness;
- Symptoms of dangerously high blood pressure include blurred vision, buzzing sounds in your ears, headaches, anxiety, and seizures.
- Signs of infection your catheter may cause pain or swelling, heat, redness, oozing, or changes in the skin where medicine has been injected.
Dobutamine side effects may include:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Fever; a tingling feeling
- Headache;
- Leg cramps.
There may be other side effectsNeed medical advice regarding side effects? Make an appointment to speak to your GP immediately.The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
While you receive dobutamine, your breathing, blood oxygen levels, and any other vital signs are closely monitored.
Before you take this drug
Dobutamine should not be used if you have an allergy to it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that dobutamine will not harm you:
- High blood pressure
- A heart valve disorder;
- Asthma, or sulfite allergies.
FDA pregnancy class B Dobutamine should not harm a baby in utero. If you plan to get pregnant or are pregnant, tell your doctor. Dobutamine is not known to pass into breast milk or to harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if a child is breastfed.
How to take Dobutamine?
Dobutamine can be injected through a catheter into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. In a hospital setting or clinic, you will be given dobutamine to treat any side effects. You may need to undergo frequent medical tests if you use dobutamine. Electrocardiograms (also called EKGs) may be used to check your heart function.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for congestive heart failure:
Initial dose: 0.5 to 1 mcg/kg/min IV infusion
Maintenance dose: 2-20 mcg/kg/min IV
Maximum dose: 40 mcg/kg/min IV infusion
Comments:
The rate of administration and the duration of treatment should be determined by blood pressure, heart rate, frequency of ectopic activities, and urine flow.
Humans have received concentrations of up to 5000 mcg/mL. Calculate the final volume according to fluid requirements.
No controlled trial experience has been conducted beyond 48 hours with repeated boluses or continuous infusions.
Use: Inotropic support when short-term parenteral therapy for cardiac decompensation is required in patients with depressed contractility due to organic heart diseases or cardiac surgery procedures.
Usual pediatric dose for congestive heart failure:
Initial dose: 0.5 to 1 mcg/kg/min IV infusion
Maintenance dose: 2-20 mcg/kg/min IV
Maximum dose: 40 mcg/kg/min IV infusion
Comments:
Certain container systems for this drug are not appropriate for pediatric patients weighing less than 30 kg.
The rate of administration and the duration of treatment should be determined by systemic blood pressure and heart rate. The frequency of ectopic urine flow, cardiac output, central vein pressure, and pulmonary capillary pressure should be taken into consideration whenever possible.
Humans have received concentrations of up to 5000 mcg/mL. Calculate the final volume according to fluid requirements.
No controlled trial experience has been conducted beyond 48 hours with repeated boluses or continuous infusions.
Use: Inotropic Support when Parenteral Therapy is Needed in the Short-Term Treatment of Patients with Cardiac Decompensation Due to Depressed Contractility as Resulting from Organic Heart Disease or Cardiosurgical Procedures
What happens if I miss the dose?
Call your doctor if you forget to take a dobutamine dose if you use the medication at home.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Dobutamine may also interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
