Generic
Dobutamine
4 brands available in the market
At a glance
Dobutamine is a sympathomimetic agonist used for short-term treatment of heart failure and low blood pressure by increasing the pumping capacity of the heart.
Description
Dobutamine Hydrochloride is a direct-acting inotropic agent whose primary activity results from stimulation of cardiac adrenergic receptors. It increases stroke volume and cardiac output and decreases ventricular filling pressure and total systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances.
Indications
- Heart failure (cardiac decompensation)
- Cardiogenic shock
- Hypoperfusion states
Therapeutic class
Inotropic-sympathomimetics
Pharmacological class
Inotropic Sympathomimetic
Pharmacology
Dobutamine Hydrochloride is a direct-acting inotropic agent whose primary activity results from stimulation of cardiac adrenergic receptors. It increases stroke volume and cardiac output and decreases ventricular filling pressure and total systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances.
Mechanism of action
Dobutamine stimulates β-adrenergic receptors in the heart, increasing contractility and heart rate, thereby improving cardiac output and blood pressure.
Dosage
Adults and Children: Initially 0.5-1 mcg/kg/min IV continuous infusion, then 2-20 mcg/kg/min; max 40 mcg/kg/min. Adjust according to patient's BP, heart rate, cardiac and urine output.
Administration
This medicine is given as a continuous intravenous infusion by healthcare professionals. Loading doses or bolus injections are not necessary.
Missed dose
Dobutamine is an infusion medicine given by healthcare professionals. You cannot miss a dose yourself.
Side effects
Common: High blood pressure, insomnia.
Other: Increased heart rate, ventricular ectopic activity, hypotension, infusion site reactions.
Precautions & warnings
May affect driving ability. Close monitoring of heart rate, rhythm, arterial blood pressure, and infusion rate is required. Caution in pregnancy and lactation.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity; idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS).
Drug interactions
Beta-blockers: May decrease efficacy of dobutamine (unopposed alpha-agonist effects may appear).
Bretylium, guanethidine, oxytocic drugs, TCAs: Increased vasopressor effect.
Nitroprusside: Increased cardiac output.
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Dobutamine. Please consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy (animal studies show low or no adverse effects; limited human studies).
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Probably safe during breastfeeding; limited human data suggests no significant risk to the baby. Breastfeeding should be discontinued for the duration of treatment.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dosage: 0.5-40 mcg/kg/min (same as adults).
Geriatric use
No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: Probably safe; dose adjustment may not be needed.
Hepatic impairment: Limited information available.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, angina. Seek medical attention.
Storage conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. After dilution, stable for 24 hours.
Chemical structure
Dobutamine