Generic Name:

Dopamine

Trade Name:

Intropin

Action:

Adrenergic Agonist

Indications:

LOW DOSE
Decreased Renal Perfusion. Mild
Low Output yndrome After Correction of volume status

MODERATE DOSE
Hypotension, decreased contractility.
Must be infused via central line

HIGH DOSE
Hypotension.

Must be infused via central line

Administration Guidelines:

Usual Dosage Range and Route:

LOW DOSE: 160 - 240 mcg / min as titrated to patient response

MODERATE DOSE: 240 - 700 mcg / min as titrated to blood pressure parameters

HIGH DOSE: 700 - 1040 mcg / min as titrated to blood pressure parameters

Standard Concentrations:

Central : 200 mg / D5W 250 ml (premixed)

400 mg / D5W 250 ml (premixed)

800 mg / 250 ml

1200 mg / 250 ml

Peripheral : *200 mg / D5W 250 ml (premixed)

MICROINFUSION: 400 mg / 50 ml (central)

EW Standard

Peripheral : *200 mg / D5W 250 ml (premixed)

Special Considerations:

- *Central line required for administration of doses above 240 mcg/min; in cases of emergency or profound hypotension, dopamine may be given peripherally using the 200 mg / D5W 250 ml concentration while preparation for central line is underway.

- For extravasation, refer to MGH Nursing Procedure Manual--treat with phentolamine

- PA line monitoring of cardiac output, cardiac index, PCWP, CVP, and SVR is encouraged during moderate and high dose maintenance infusions.

- Discard any discolored solutions

- Invasive blood pressure monitoring (e.g. a-line) should be considered when centrally administered vasoactive agents are used or when frequent changes in infusion rate are required.

Precautions and side effects:

- Tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias

- Hypertension

- Peripheral vasoconstriction,

- Renal failure or shutdown in high doses

- PCWP will often increase during high dose therapy