Emergency Drugs · Dopaminergic / β / α agonist (dose-dependent)
Dopamine
Dose
2–5 mcg/kg/min (renal); 5–10 (inotropy); 10–20 (pressor)
Mechanism
Low: DA receptors (renal). Mid: β₁ (inotropy). High: α₁ (vasoconstriction)
Dilution & preparation
200 mg in 250 mL D5W (800 mcg/mL)
Use
Bradycardia, cardiogenic shock (declining favour vs norepinephrine).
Monitoring
ECG, BP, urine output, peripheral perfusion.
Side effects
- • Tachyarrhythmias
- • Tissue necrosis on extravasation
- • ↑ mortality vs noradrenaline in septic shock
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
