Dopamine


 
General Principles: Indications Precautions  

Adrenergic-like drug that can be used as the first catecholamine for persistent bradycardia, refractory hypotension and shock.

 Second drug for symptomatic bradycardia (after atropine).
 May use in patients with hypovolemia but only after volume replacement.
  
  Use for hypotension (systolic blood pressure 70 to 100 mm Hg) with signs and symptoms of shock.
Use with caution in cardiogenic shock with accompanying congestive
heart failure		  
    May cause tachyarrythmias and excessive vasoconstriction.  
    Taper slowly.
Do not mix with sodium bicarbonate.		  
 

Continuous Infusions (titrate to patient response)

  
 

Low Dose (NOT EFFECTIVE FOR BRADYCARDIA)
· 1 to 5 mcg /kg per minute.
Moderate Dose
· 5-10 mcg/kg per minute ("cardiac doses").
High Dose
· 10 to 20 mcg /kg per minute ("vasopressor doses").