Dobutamine
Dobutamine is a synthetic catecholamine and positive inotropic agent used primarily for short-term treatment of acute decompensated heart failure and cardiogenic shock. It works by stimulating beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, increasing cardiac contractility and output. The medication is administered intravenously in hospital settings where continuous hemodynamic monitoring is available.
Dobutamine is an inotropic medication used to support heart function in acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CA07
- RxNorm
- 3616
- Generic
- Dobutamine
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5-10 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, only use when absolutely necessary for maternal survival
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits significantly outweigh risks
continuous fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only in life-threatening situations
fetal heart rate monitoring and uterine activity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
due to unknown excretion in breast milk and potential toxicity, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment
infant monitoring if exposure occurs
geriatric
elderlystart at lower end of dosing range
initiate therapy at reduced dose, monitor closely for arrhythmias and hypertension
continuous cardiac monitoring, blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesweight-based dosing required
use only in pediatric cardiac surgery or severe heart failure under specialist supervision
continuous cardiac monitoring, arterial blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing required
dose range 2.5-15 mcg/kg/min, titrate to response
continuous cardiac monitoring, hemodynamic monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentno specific adjustment needed
monitor for accumulation of metabolites, no standard dose reduction but careful monitoring required
renal function monitoring, cardiac output monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentmay require dose reduction
use with caution, metabolism primarily hepatic, start at lower doses
hemodynamic monitoring, liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval year for dobutamine injection
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of dobutamine
Primary indications
FDA-approved therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic mechanism
Treatment of acute decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and low cardiac output states. May also be used for perioperative hemodynamic support and diagnostic testing of cardiac reserve.
Acts primarily on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the myocardium to increase cardiac contractility (positive inotropic effect). This leads to enhanced stroke volume and increased cardiac output. Has mild beta-2 and alpha-1 activity that produces modest peripheral vasodilation.
Administered as continuous IV infusion in monitored settings only. May cause tachycardia, arrhythmias, or hypotension. Tolerance may develop with continuous use beyond 72 hours. Not recommended for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy or severe tachyarrhythmias.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy