Dopamine
Dopamine is used in veterinary medicine for hemodynamic support in shock or acute heart failure.
Group
Catecholamine inotrope and vasopressor
Mechanism of Action
Dose-dependent dopamine, beta-1 and alpha-receptor stimulation alters perfusion, contractility and vascular resistance.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular support | 2–10 mcg/kg/min | IV | Continuous | |
| Low-dose vasodilation | 0.5–2 mcg/kg/min | IV | Continuous | Pharmacologic range; not evidence of effective treatment for acute kidney injury. |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular support | 2–10 mcg/kg/min | IV | Continuous | |
| Low-dose vasodilation | 0.5–2 mcg/kg/min | IV | Continuous | Pharmacologic range; not evidence of effective treatment for acute kidney injury. |
Horse
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular support | 1–5 mcg/kg/min | IV | Continuous |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular support | 1–5 mcg/kg/min | IV | Continuous |
Indications
- Hemodynamic support in shock or acute heart failure
- Vasoactive support for hypotension after adequate volume replacement; low-dose dopamine has not established a renal-protective benefit.
Contraindications
- Use controlled infusion with cardiovascular monitoring.
Interactions
- Incompatible with alkaline/bicarbonate solutions.
Adverse effects
- Tachycardia and ventricular arrhythmias
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dopamine concentrate 40 mg/mL Must be diluted for controlled infusion. | Injection | 40 mg / mL | IV |
| Dopamine concentrate 80 mg/mL Must be diluted for controlled infusion. | Injection | 80 mg / mL | IV |
| Dopamine concentrate 160 mg/mL Must be diluted for controlled infusion. | Injection | 160 mg / mL | IV |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor ECG, blood pressure and perfusion; titrate to response. Renal-protective benefit is not established, and feline renal dopaminergic response is limited.
Diluted solution in compatible fluids has a reported 24-hour stability; discard brown or purple solution.
Rates above 10 mcg/kg/min produce stronger alpha-mediated vasoconstriction; the source supplies no bounded upper range.