dopamine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Adrenergic and dopaminergic inotrope and vasopressor
Usual setting
Acute or critical care under continuous clinical monitoring
Administration
Diluted and given as a controlled intravenous infusion by healthcare professionals
Main effect
Increases cardiac pumping and blood pressure; stronger exposure produces more vasoconstriction
What is dopamine hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK products are licensed for adult haemodynamic support in serious circulatory compromise.
Acute hypotension, shock, poor tissue perfusion or low cardiac output associated with myocardial infarction, trauma or endotoxic septicaemia.
Persistent hypotension following open-heart surgery after low circulating blood volume has been corrected.
Cardiac decompensation or congestive heart failure with haemodynamic compromise.
One selected product also includes renal failure or impending renal failure associated with these circulatory states.
Low-exposure dopamine should not be used solely for kidney protection because evidence shows no important benefit in preventing renal dysfunction, dialysis or death.
How does dopamine hydrochloride work?
Dopamine stimulates dopamine receptors and cardiac beta-1 receptors, helping the heart contract and influencing blood flow. As exposure increases, alpha-receptor stimulation becomes more prominent, tightening blood vessels and raising vascular resistance. Its onset is rapid and its plasma half-life is very short.
dopamine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 40 mg/mL, 200 mg/5 mL
How to take dopamine hydrochloride
This concentrate is not taken by mouth or self-administered. Healthcare professionals dilute it and give it through an intravenous infusion using equipment that controls flow accurately.
A large vein is preferred because leakage outside the vein can seriously damage tissue.
The infusion site and solution should be checked regularly; discoloured or particulate-containing solution must not be used.
Food does not affect administration.
dopamine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat, palpitations or extra heartbeats
- Chest pain
- Low blood pressure or vasoconstriction
- Breathlessness
- Nausea or vomiting
Get urgent medical advice
- Dangerous abnormal heart rhythms
- Severe hypertension or excessive vasoconstriction
- Reduced limb circulation, tissue injury or gangrene
- Tissue damage if the infusion leaks outside the vein
- Severe sulfite-related allergy, including bronchospasm or anaphylactic symptoms
dopamine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Human fetal effects are uncertain. Dopamine hydrochloride may be used during pregnancy when the expected clinical benefit outweighs potential fetal risk, following specialist assessment in acute care.
dopamine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether dopamine passes into breast milk or affects a breastfed infant. The treating team should assess breastfeeding in the context of the mother's acute illness and need for treatment.
dopamine hydrochloride interactions
The clinical team should review current and recently stopped medicines before treatment.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Can markedly intensify and prolong dopamine's effects, requiring specialist adjustment and close monitoring.
Cyclopropane or halogenated inhaled anaesthetics
Can increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and hypertension; concurrent use should be avoided.
Common questions about dopamine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is dopamine hydrochloride given in hospital?
It can rapidly alter blood pressure, heart rhythm and tissue circulation, so it requires a controlled intravenous infusion and continuous monitoring.
Can dopamine hydrochloride be taken by mouth?
No. Oral dopamine is rapidly broken down in the gastrointestinal tract; the selected products are intravenous concentrates that must be diluted.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.