Inotrope / vasopressor (dose-dependent)

Dopamine hydrochloride

Brand names: various

Adult dose

Dose: 2–10 micrograms/kg/min IV (β1 inotropic); 10–20 micrograms/kg/min (α — vasopressor); titrate

Route: IV (central preferred)

Frequency: Continuous infusion

Clinical pearls

ESC/Resus Council UK: noradrenaline preferred over dopamine for septic shock (lower arrhythmia rate, mortality benefit in trials)
Renal-dose dopamine is not supported by evidence — abandoned
Central venous access strongly preferred

Contraindications

Phaeochromocytoma
Tachyarrhythmias
Hypovolaemia (correct first)
Hypersensitivity

Side effects

Tachycardia
Arrhythmia
Tissue necrosis on extravasation (vasoconstriction)
Hypertension
Headache
Nausea

Interactions

MAOIs (markedly potentiated)
Tricyclics
Volatile anaesthetics (arrhythmias)
Beta-blockers
Phenytoin (hypotension/bradycardia)

Monitoring

Continuous ECG
BP
Cardiac output (where available)
Urine output
IV site (extravasation)

Reference: BNF; ESC HF guidelines; NICE NG51 sepsis; AAGBI/FICM; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/dopamine-hydrochloride/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways