Dopamine is a drug to help the heart work in pumping blood when shock occurs, namely: condition where supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs reduce (hyperfusion). This condition can be triggered by heart failure, sepsis, or injury.
The effect of dopamine or dopamine is highly dependent on the dose given. If given in low doses, dopamine will work to widen blood vessels (vasodilators). In moderate doses, dopamine will work to improve heart muscle contraction, so it can increase the pumping power of the heart.
Dopamine that is injected in high doses has the effect of constricting blood vessels (vasoconstriction), so that it can increase blood pressure. Dopamine is available in injectable liquid form and should only be administered by a doctor in a hospital or health facility.
Dopamine trademark: Cetadop, Dopac, Dopamine Hydrochloride, Indop, Proinfark, Udopa.
What is Dopamine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | heart medicine |
| Benefit | Overcoming shock |
| Used by | Mature |
| Dopamine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether dopamine can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking dopamine drugs. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Dopamine
Dopamine injection should only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Dopamine is often used in emergency conditions.
There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Dopamine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had coronary heart disease, Buerger's disease, asthma, Raynaud's syndrome, metabolic acidosis, diabetes, Raynaud's syndrome, heart rhythm disorders, hyperthyroidism, or pheochromocytoma.
- Tell your doctor about your current or previous medication history, especially if you are taking or in the last 14 days you are taking MAOIs.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Report to your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using dopamine injection.
Dopamine Dosage and Rules
The dose of injected dopamine to treat shock due to heart failure, kidney failure, trauma, heart attack, or during surgery will be determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition and weight.
In general, the initial dose of injectable dopamine is 2–5 mcg/kg per minute given intravenously. The dose can be increased gradually to 5–10 mcg/kg per minute. For severe shock, the dose may be increased to 20–50 mcg/kg per minute.
During a dopamine injection, your doctor will monitor your blood pressure, the amount of urine you pass, and the rate and strength of your heart's pumping.
How to Use Dopamine Correctly
Dopamine in the form of a liquid injection will be given through an IV by a doctor at the hospital. Doctors will monitor the patient's breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and kidney function during treatment with dopamine.
Follow all doctor's instructions during treatment with injectable dopamine so that the effectiveness of the treatment is maximized.
Dopamine Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interactions that may occur when taking dopamine with other drugs:
- Increased risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias when used with anesthetic gases, such as halothane
- Decreased effectiveness of dopamine when used with drugs that have adrenergic blockers, including beta blockers such as propranolol or metoprolol
- Increased effectiveness of dopamine when used with MAOIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or guanethidine
- Increased risk of hypotension and bradycardia when used with phenytoin
- Increased risk of excessive narrowing of blood vessels when used with ergot alkaloids, such as ergotamine
Dopamine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that may appear after using dopamine injections are pain or irritation at the injected body area, headache, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, and chills.
Tell your doctor if the side effects mentioned do not subside or get worse. Immediately report to your doctor or medical officer on duty if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Dizziness so heavy that you want to pass out
- Hard to breathe
- Chest pain