Dopamine

One of the most commonly used agents to treat hypotension associated with cardiogenic shock; chemically related to epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Increases cardiac contractile force and thus cardiac output when used from 2-10mcg/kg/mini. The drug of choice for the management of cardiogenic shock; increases the systolic blood pressure and the pulse pressure. Doses exceeding 10mcg/kg/min cause peripheral vasconstriction.

Cardiogenic shock, hypovelimic shock (only after complete fluid resuscitation), neurogenic shock

Should not be used as the sole agent in management of hypovolemic shock until after adequate fluid resuscitation has been attempted

presence of tachydysrhythimias or V-Fib , deactivated by sodium bicarbonate, if taking monoamine oxdase inhibitors ( a type of depressant), dosage should be reduced to avoid possible hypertension crisis

• 400mg Dopamine in 250 milliters of D5W concentration of 1600mcg per ml; effects are dose-dependent, start at 2-20mcg/kg/min and titrate to effect. Only by IV infusion and is to be piggybacked
• Pediatric Dose-2-20mcg/kg/min and titrate to effect