Dopamine (Intropin)

Question 1

Dopamine Class?

Answer 1

Sympathomimetic, vasopressor

Question 2

Dopamine Action?

Answer 2

Acts primarily on alpha-1 and beta-1 adrenergic receptors. At low doses (2-5
mcg/kg/min), it may act on dopaminergic receptors causing renal, mesenteric, and cerebral
vascular dilation. At moderate doses (5-10 mcg/kg/min), dopamine stimulates mostly beta 1
receptors causing increased cardiac contractility and output. At high doses (10-20 mcg/kg/min)
dopamine has mostly alpha-1 stimulation effects causing peripheral arterial and venous
constriction.

Question 3

Dopamine Indications?

Answer 3

: Hemodynamically significant hypotension in the absence of hypovolemia such as
in cardiogenic shock, neurogenic shock, septic shock. Second line pharmacological treatment
for bradycardia after atropine

Question 4

Dopamine Contraindications?

Answer 4

: Hypovolemia, trauma, tachydysrhythmias, V-Fib, pt’s with

pheochromocytoma.

Question 5

Dopamine Onset/Duration?

Answer 5

Onset: 2-4 min
Duration: 10-15 min

Question 6

Dopamine Dose/Route?

Answer 6

Adult: 2-20 mcg/kg/min IV Drip and titrate to desired effect

Peds: Same as adult

Question 7

Dopamine Side Effects?

Answer 7

Tachycardia, hypertension, anxiety, headache, nausea/vomiting, increased
myocardial oxygen demand, mydriasis, dose-related tachydysrhythmias