Dopamine (ICU — Vasopressor/Inotrope)
Brand names: Intropin
Dopamine is an endogenous catecholamine given by continuous intravenous infusion in intensive care as a vasopressor and inotrope to support blood pressure and cardiac output in shock.
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 acts on dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors with dose-dependent effects, predominantly stimulating beta-1 receptors to increase cardiac contractility and, at higher infusion rates, alpha-1 receptors to cause vasoconstriction and raise blood pressure.
Prescribing in practice
- Give through a central venous line via an infusion pump, as extravasation causes severe local tissue ischaemia and necrosis; if extravasation occurs treat promptly.
- It frequently causes tachyarrhythmias, and noradrenaline is generally preferred as first-line vasopressor in septic shock because dopamine carries a higher arrhythmia risk.
- Correct hypovolaemia before use and monitor for excessive cardiac stimulation.
Monitoring
Monitor ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, urine output and the infusion site continuously during administration.
Counselling the patient
- Team: administer centrally and inspect the line for extravasation, which can cause tissue necrosis.
- Team: watch for tachyarrhythmias and titrate to haemodynamic targets.
Evidence & guidelines
Sepsis guidance favours noradrenaline over dopamine as the first-line vasopressor owing to dopamine's greater arrhythmogenicity.
Reference: SOAP II Trial (NEJM 2010); Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021; 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.