Dopamine

Question 1

What is Dopamine’s trade name?

Answer 1

Intropin

Question 2

What class is Dopamine?

Answer 2

Sympathomimetic

Question 3

What receptors does Dopamine act on?

Answer 3

Alpha-1 and Beta-1 adrenergic receptors

Question 4

What other neurotransmitter/hormone is Dopamine related to?

Answer 4

Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Question 5

What is Dopamine’s mechanism of action?

Answer 5

binds to alpha-1 or beta-1 receptors to increase BP by increasing the force of contraction (positive inotrope), increase HR (positive chronotrope), or increase peripheral vasoconstriction

Question 6

What is a low/moderate dose of Dopamine?

Answer 6

2-10mcg/kg/min

Question 7

What does a low/moderate dose of Dopamine do?

Answer 7

increase contractility, increase cardiac output, increase BP (Beta adrenergic effect)

Question 8

What is a high dose of Dopamine?

Answer 8

11-20mcg/kg/min

Question 9

What does a high dose of Dopamine do?

Answer 9

peripheral arterial and venous constriction (Alpha adrenergic effects)

Question 10

Indications to use Dopamine

Answer 10

hemodynamically significant hypotension in the absence of hypovolemia
symptomatic bradycardia (second line drug after atropine)

Question 11

Contraindications to Dopamine

Answer 11

hypersensitivity
tachydysrhythmias
VF
tumor in adrenal gland

Question 12

Dopamine Dose (adult)

Answer 12

Usual infusion rate: 2-20mcg/kg/min

For hypotension after return of spontaneous circulation: 5-10mcg/kg/min

Question 13

Dopamine Dose (pediatric)

Answer 13

2-20mcg/kg/min (if infusion dose >20mcg/kg/min is required, consider an alternative adrenergic agent ex: epinephrine or norepinephrine)

Question 14

Adverse reactions to Dopamine

Answer 14

dose related tachydysrhythmias
hypertension
increased myocardial oxygen demand (ischemia)
headache
anxiety
nausea and vomiting

Question 15

Onset of Dopamine

Answer 15

2-4 min

Question 16

Duration of Dopamine

Answer 16

10-15 min

Question 17

Route for Dopamine

Answer 17

IV/IO

Question 18

Drug interactions for Dopamine

Answer 18

• may be deactivated by alkaline solutions
• MAO inhibitors may potentiate the effects of Dopamine
• beta adrenergic antagonists may blunt the inotropic response

Question 19

Special Considerations for Dopamine

Answer 19

• pregnancy safety: category C
• infuse through a large vein to avoid exacerbation injury
• use an infusion pump to ensure precise flow rates