DOPAMINE

GENERIC NAME

Inotropin

CLASS

Adrenergic

Inotropic agent.

MECHANISM OF ACTION (MOA)

Dopamine works by stimulating different receptors in the body depending on the dose, helping to support blood pressure, heart function, and kidney perfusion.

• Low dose (1–5 mcg/kg/min)
  → Dopamine (D1) receptors
  → Dilates renal arteries → improves kidney perfusion

• Medium dose (5–10 mcg/kg/min)
  → Beta-1 receptors
  → Increases heart rate and contractility

• High dose (10–20 mcg/kg/min)
  → Alpha-1 receptors
  → Causes vasoconstriction → raises blood pressure

INDICATIONS

Cardiogenic

Septic or spinal shock

Hypotension with low cardiac output states

Distributive shock

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypovolemic shock

Pheochromocytoma

Tachydysrhythmias

VF

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Cardiac dysrhythmias

Hypertension

Increased myocardial oxygen demand

Extravagation may cause tissue necrosis

DOSAGE - ADULT

2- 20 mcg / kg / min

DURATION OF ACTION

Onset: 1-4 minutes

Peak Effect: 5-10 minutes

Duration: Effects cease almost immediately after infusion shut off