✅ Generic Name:
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection 40 mg/mL
📄 Description:
Dopamine Injection is a concentrated sterile solution containing 40 mg of dopamine hydrochloride per mL. It is a vasoactive sympathomimetic amine used to treat hypotension, low cardiac output, and poor perfusion of vital organs, especially in critical care settings.
- Requires dilution before intravenous infusion
- Available in ampoules or vials
🌿 Nature / Drug Class:
- Pharmacologic Class: Catecholamine, Sympathomimetic
- Therapeutic Class: Vasopressor, Inotropic agent
- Mechanism of Action:
Dopamine acts on different receptors depending on the dose:- Low dose (1–3 mcg/kg/min): Dopaminergic receptors → renal vasodilation
- Moderate dose (3–10 mcg/kg/min): β₁-receptors → ↑ heart rate and contractility
- High dose (>10 mcg/kg/min): α₁-receptors → vasoconstriction and ↑ BP
🎯 Purpose / Indications:
- Acute heart failure with low cardiac output
- Hypotension due to shock (e.g., septic shock, cardiogenic shock)
- Bradycardia or AV block (when atropine is ineffective)
- Renal perfusion support (controversial and not first-line)
✅ Advantages:
- Dose-dependent effects (renal, cardiac, or vasopressor support)
- Short half-life – easy to titrate
- Increases urine output in some patients
- Widely used in ICU and emergency settings
- Compatible with central and peripheral IV infusion (though central preferred)
💉 Dosage & Administration:
- Route: Intravenous infusion only
- Must be diluted before use
- Common dilution:
- 200 mg in 250 mL of Dextrose 5% or Normal Saline (concentration = 800 mcg/mL)
- Initial Dose: 2–5 mcg/kg/min
- Maintenance Dose: 2–20 mcg/kg/min (can be titrated based on response)
NOTE: Do not give as IV bolus. Always infuse slowly via pump.
📦 Common Packaging:
- Ampoules/vials: 5 mL or 10 mL (each mL = 40 mg dopamine)
- Concentration: 40 mg/mL
- Available in single-use containers or multidose vials (check label)
❄️ Storage Conditions:
- Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F)
- Protect from light and freezing
- Discard unused diluted solution after 24 hours
👨⚕️ Patient Advice / Precautions:
- Administered only under hospital supervision
- Report symptoms like chest pain, numbness, or palpitations
- Notify the nurse if IV site is painful or swollen
- Not used in pregnancy unless clearly needed