Dopamine HCL (Intropin)

Question 1

Drug Classification

Answer 1

Sympathomimetic/Sympathetic Agonist/Catecholamine

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

a1 agonist -> second messenger release of calcium in VSMC
->peripheral vasoconstriction -> increased SVR -> increased BP

b1 agonist -> increased intracellular Ca2+ in cardiac cells -> positive inotropy, chronotropy, dromotropy

The mechanism for this drug is dose-dependent

Question 3

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 3

• Onset of action- <5 minutes
• Peak Effects- 5-8 minutes
• Duration of Effects- <10 minutes
• Half-Life- 2 minutes

Question 4

Indications/Field Use

Answer 4

• Cardiogenic Shock
• Symptomatic bradycardia
• Septic shock following fluid resuscitation

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Hypovolemia

Question 6

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Answer 6

Chest pain, dyspnea, dysrhythmias, headache, palpitations, nervousness, N&V

Question 7

Dose

Answer 7

Adult
2-5mcg/kg/min IV/IO infusion (low dose) causes increased blood flow to mesentary and renal (GUT)
5-10mcg/kg/min IV/IO infusion (medium dose) stimulates BETA effects
10-20mcg/kg/min IV/IO infusion (high dose) stimulates ALPHA effects

Pedi
2-20mcg/kg/min IV/IO infusion

Question 8

Precautions

Answer 8

Must be kept out of direct sunlight

Question 9

Drug-drug interactions

Answer 9

• Deactivated by alkaline solutions and MAOI

- Hypotension with Dilantin

Question 10

Dopamine Drip Calculation

Works for a 60 gtts @ 1600 mcg/mL

Answer 10

Pt Weight in pounds. Drop last digit-3

= drip rate @ 5mcg/kg/min
x2 for 10 mcg/kg/min
2.5 for 15 mcg/kg/min