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Back to Cardiology Drug index
Name: Dopamine Hydrochloride
Pregnancy Category C
Drug classes
- Sympathomimetic drug
- Alpha-adrenergic agonist
- Beta-1 adrenergic agonist
- Dopaminergic agonist
Therapeutic actions
Drug acts directly and by the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic
nerve terminals; dopaminergic receptors mediate dilation of vessels in the
renal and splanchnic beds, which maintains renal perfusion and function;
alpha receptors, which are activated by higher doses of dopamine, mediate
vasoconstriction, which can override the vasodilating effects; beta-1 receptors
mediate a positive inotropic effect on the heart.
Indications
Correction of hemodynamic imbalances present in the shock syndrome due
to MI, trauma, endotoxic septicemia, open heart surgery, renal failure,
and chronic cardiac decompensation in congestive failure
Contraindications/cautions
Contraindicated in the presence of pheochromocytoma, tachyarrhythmias,
ventricular fibrillation, hypovolemia (dopamine is not a substitute for
blood, plasma, fluids, electrolytes, which should be restored promptly when
loss has occurred), general anesthesia with halogenated hydrocarbons or
cyclopropane, which sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines.
Use caution in the presence of atherosclerosis, arterial embolism, Reynaud's
disease, cold injury, frostbite, diabetic endarteritis, Buerger's disease
(closely monitor skin color and temperature of the extremities).
Adverse effects
- GI: Nausea, vomiting
- CV: Ectopic beats, tachycardia,
anginal pain, palpitations, hypotension, vasoconstriction, dyspnea, bradycardia,
hypertension, widened QRS
- Other: Headache, piloerection,
azotemia, gangrene with prolonged use
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