What is Dopamine?
Dopamine, a naturally occurring substance in the human body, is available as a medication. It improves the strength of the heart's pumping and increases blood flow to the kidneys. Intropin (dopamine) is used for treating certain conditions, such as shock. This can be caused by a heart attack or trauma. Surgery may also cause this condition. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of dopamine.
Warnings
Inform your caregivers of any conditions, such as hardened arteries or circulation problems. Also mention any diabetes, frostbite, or Buerger's disease. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, especially if in the past 21 days you have used MAO inhibitors such as furazolidone, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, azilect, selegiline, Eldepryl, Emsam, or Zelapar. It may not be possible in an emergency to inform your caregivers of your medical conditions. Be sure that any doctor who treats you in the future knows about this medication.
Before you take this drug
If you have a pheochromocytoma, i.e., a tumor of the adrenal gland, dopamine should not be used.
Tell your doctor, if possible, before receiving dopamine if you've ever:
- A heart rhythm disorder.
- Coronary artery disease
- A blood clot.
- An allergic reaction is a reaction to food or drugs.
- Asthma, or sulfite allergies;
- Metabolic acidosis;
- Diabetes;
- Raynaud syndrome is a circulation problem.
- Frostbite;
- Buerger's disease;
- If you've used an MAO inhibitor in the last 21 days (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others),
Under these circumstances, it may not always be possible for you to inform your caregivers that you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Be sure to tell any doctor who is caring for you or your baby that you've taken this medication.
Similar/related drugs
Furosemide, Lasix, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, Torsemide, and Epinephrine
How to take Dopamine?
A vein is injected with dopamine through an IV. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. If you experience any pain, burning, or swelling around the IV when dopamine is injected, tell your caregivers. While you receive dopamine, your vital signs, such as blood pressure, oxygen level, kidney function, and breathing, will be closely monitored.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a dopamine shot, as it is administered by a medical professional.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because this medicine is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Dopamine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction to dopamine, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
If you:
- A feeling of light-headedness, as if you could pass out (even when lying down);
- Chest pain;
- Heartbeats that are fast, slow, or pounding
- Shortness of breath
- A cold feeling, numbness, or blue-colored appearance on your hands or feet
- Darkening of the skin on your hands and feet.
Dopamine may produce various adverse side effects.
- Headache;
- Feeling anxious
- Nausea, vomiting
- Chills, goosebumps
There may be other side effects.Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects of any medicine taken. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Details on dosage
Dose a normal adult dose of dopamine for nonobstructive oliguria:
Initial dose: 1–5 mcg/kg/min via continuous IV infusion.
Dose according to the desired response. In serious situations, administration at rates higher than 50 mcg/kg per minute has been safely used.
Dopamine dose for shock in adults:
Initial dose: 1–5 mcg/kg/min via continuous IV infusion.
Dose according to the desired response. In serious situations, administration at rates higher than 50 mcg/kg per minute has been safely used.
Usual pediatric dose for non-obstructive oliguria:
If less than one month: 1–20 mcg/kg/min via continuous IV infusion. Adjust the dosage to the desired response.
1 month and older: 1–20 mcg/kg/min continuous IV infusion, adjusted to the desired response. Maximum: 50 mcg/kg/min.
Dopamine's hemodynamic effects are dose-dependent.
Low dose: 1 to 5 mg/kg/minute increased renal blood flow and urine output
Intermediate dosage: 5–15 mcg/kg/minute. Increased renal blood flow, heartbeat, cardiac contraction, blood pressure, and cardiac output.
High dose: more than 15 mcg/kg/minute. Alpha-adrenergic effects start to dominate, including vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.
The usual pediatric dose for shock:
If less than one month: 1–20 mcg/kg/min via continuous IV infusion. Adjust the dosage to the desired response.
Those aged 1 month and older: 1–20 mcg/kg/min via continuous IV infusion. The dose is adjusted to the desired response. Maximum: 50 mcg/kg/min.
Dopamine's hemodynamic effects are dose-dependent.
Low dose: 1 to 5 mg/kg/minute increased renal blood flow and urine output
Intermediate dosage: 5–15 mcg/kg/minute. Increased renal blood flow, heartbeat, cardiac contraction, blood pressure, and cardiac output.
High dose: more than 15 mcg/kg/minute. Alpha-adrenergic effects start to dominate, including vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.
Interaction with other drug
Dopamine can interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop taking.
