Name: DOPAMINE (IntropinR)
Classification: sympathomimetic
  • beta receptors - increases myocardial contractility
  • alpha receptors - vasoconstriction
  • dopamine has not been shown to improve renal function when administered at low doses (dopaminergic doses).
Dose:
  • beta dose
    • 5 - 10 mcg/kg/min 
  • alpha dose
    • > 15 mcg/kg/min
Administration: IV Infusion
400 mg/250 mL D5W, NS, RL
  • yellow or brown discolouration indicates loss of potency; discard discoloured solutions
  • hypovolemia, acidosis and hypoxemia should be corrected concurrently with therapy
  • should be weaned off
Adverse Effects:
  • tachycardia
  • increased afterload; increased myocardial O2 consumption
  • arrhythmias
  • decreased peripheral perfusion
  • increased blood glucose
  • renal failure (doses > 20 ug/kg/min)
  • decreased mesenteric ischemia
  • fixed, dilated pupils
  • extravasation of drug will cause tissue necrosis (Rx with 5-15 mg phentolamine in NS - see phentolamine monograph)
Drug Interactions:
  • dopamine + IV phenytoin = decreased BP
  • dopamine + inhalational anaesthetics = increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias
  • dopamine + alpha blocking agents = blockade of inotropic effect
  • dopamine + beta blocking agents = blockade of inotropic effect
  • dopamine + other sympathomimetic agents = increased risk of toxicity
Monitoring Therapy:
  • HR
  • BUN, creatinine
  • ECG (widened QRS complex, arrhythmias)
  • urine output
  • arterial blood pressure
  • changes in skin colour 
  • cardiac index
  • blood glucose
  • arterial lactate
  • SVRI, PVRI
  • electrolytes
  • PWP
  • NOTE: although the use of dopamine has not been shown to improve renal function when it is administered for the sole purpose of stimulating dopaminergic receptors (low dose infusions), dopamine may indirectly improve renal function if it is administered at doses that improve cardiac ouptut.
CCTC Protocol:
  • May be administered by IV infusion by an approved nurse in CCTC.
  • May be titrated by an approved nurse in CCTC.
  • Must be administered via a central line.
  • Continuous infusion must be administered via an infusion pump.
  • Should not be infused through the proximal injectate port (blue) of the Swan Ganz catheter.
  • Patient requires placement of an arterial line to monitor BP.


Lynne Kelly, Pharmacist, CCTC
Brenda Morgan, Clinical Nurse Specialist, CCTC
Last Update: August 7, 2006, October 25, 2011

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Last Updated October 25, 2011 | © 2007, LHSC, London Ontario Canada