Emergency Drugs · β₁ agonist (mild β₂)
Dobutamine
Dose
2.5–20 mcg/kg/min IV
Mechanism
Selective β₁ → inotropy + chronotropy
Dilution & preparation
250 mg in 250 mL D5W (1 mg/mL)
Use
Cardiogenic shock, decompensated HF with low CO.
Monitoring
ECG, BP, CVP, CO if available.
Side effects
- • Tachycardia
- • Arrhythmias
- • Headache
- • Hypokalaemia
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
