Dopamine is a drug to help the heart work in pumping blood during shock, which is a condition where the supply of blood, oxygen, and nutrition to tissues and organs is reduced (hypoperfusion). This condition can be triggered by heart failure, sepsis, or injury .
The effect of dopamine or dopamine is very dependent on the dose given. If given in low doses, dopamine will work to widen blood vessels (vasodilator). In moderate doses, dopamine will work to improve the contraction of the heart muscle, so it can increase the strength of the heart's pump.
Dopamine injected in high doses has the effect of narrowing blood vessels (vasoconstriction), so it can increase blood pressure. Dopamine is available as an injectable liquid and can only be given by a doctor in a hospital or health facility.
Dopamine trademarks: Cetadop, Dopac, Dopamine Hydrochloride, Indop, Proinfark, Udopa.
What is Dopamine
| Group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Heart medicine |
| Benefits | Overcome shock |
| Used by | Adults |
| Dopamine for pregnant and lactating mothers | Category C: Studies on experimental animals show side effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies on pregnant women. Medicines can only be used if the magnitude of the expected benefit exceeds the magnitude of the risk to the fetus. It is not yet known whether dopamine can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of using dopamine drugs. |
| Drug form | Injection |
Warnings Before Using Dopamine
Injectable dopamine can only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. Dopamine is often used in emergency situations.
There are several things that should be considered before using this medicine, among others:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Dopamine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or are suffering from Buerger 's disease, coronary heart disease, asthma , metabolic acidosis , diabetes, Raynaud's syndrome , heart rhythm disorders, hyperthyroidism , or pheochromocytoma .
- Inform the doctor about the medical history you are currently or have been taking before, especially if you are currently or in the last 14 days taking MAOI drugs .
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
- Immediately report to the doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using dopamine injection.
Dosage and Administration of Dopamine
The dose of dopamine injection to overcome shock due to heart failure, kidney failure, trauma, heart attack, or during surgery will be determined by the doctor based on the condition and weight of the patient.
In general, the initial dose of injectable dopamine is 2–5 mcg/kgBW per minute given by infusion. The dose can be gradually increased to 5–10 mcg/kgBB per minute. For severe shock conditions, the dose can be increased to 20–50 mcg/kgBB per minute.
During the dopamine injection, the doctor will monitor blood pressure, the amount of urine that comes out, as well as the frequency and strength of the heart pump.
How to Use Dopamine Correctly
Dopamine in the form of an injectable liquid will be given through an infusion by a doctor in the hospital. The doctor will monitor the patient's breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and kidney function during treatment with dopamine.
Follow all the doctor's instructions during treatment with injectable dopamine for maximum treatment effectiveness.
Interactions of Dopamine with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interactions that may occur when using dopamine together with other drugs:
- Increased risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias if used with anesthetic gas, such as halothane
- Decreased effectiveness of dopamine if used with drugs that have adrenergic inhibitors, including beta-blockers such as propranolol or metoprolol
- Increased effectiveness of dopamine if used with MAOI drugs, tricyclic antidepressants , or guanethidine drugs
- Increased risk of hypotension and bradycardia if used with phenytoin
- Increased risk of excessive narrowing of blood vessels if used with ergot alkaloid drugs, such as ergotamine
- Side Effects and Dangers of Dopamine
Some of the side effects that may appear after using dopamine injection are pain or irritation in the injected body area, headache , difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, and shivering.
Tell the doctor if the side effects that have been mentioned do not subside or actually get worse. Immediately report to the doctor or medical staff on duty if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Heavy dizziness to the point of fainting
Shortness of breath
Chest pain