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Inotrope / vasopressor (dose-dependent)

Dopamine hydrochloride

Brand names: various

Dopamine hydrochloride is the injectable salt of the catecholamine dopamine, given by intravenous infusion to support blood pressure and cardiac output in shock and other low-output states.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It stimulates dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors in a dose-dependent manner, predominantly increasing myocardial contractility via beta-1 receptors and, at higher infusion rates, causing vasoconstriction via alpha-1 receptors.

Prescribing in practice

  • Administer through a central line using an infusion pump, because extravasation can cause severe ischaemic tissue necrosis requiring urgent treatment.
  • It is arrhythmogenic and can cause tachycardia and ectopy; correct hypovolaemia before starting.
  • Avoid in phaeochromocytoma and use cautiously in patients with tachyarrhythmias.

Monitoring

Monitor ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, urine output and the cannula site continuously throughout the infusion.

Counselling the patient

  • Team: give via a central line and check frequently for extravasation.
  • Team: monitor continuously for arrhythmias and titrate to target.

Evidence & guidelines

Its dose-dependent receptor effects and the risk of extravasation injury are well-established properties guiding its use in critical care.

Reference: ESC HF guidelines; NICE NG51 sepsis; AAGBI/FICM; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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