Dopamine
Dopamine is a natural catecholamine and central nervous system neurotransmitter that acts as a precursor to norepinephrine. It is primarily used as an inotropic and vasopressor agent to treat shock, hypotension, and low cardiac output states by improving heart function and increasing blood pressure through dose-dependent effects on dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors.
Dopamine is a catecholamine used to treat shock and low blood pressure by supporting cardiac output and blood vessel tone.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CA04
- RxNorm
- 3628
- Generic
- Dopamine
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- 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
- 2-20 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion, titrated to effect
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2-20 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion, titrated to effect
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2-10 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion, titrated to effect
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid unless maternal benefit outweighs potential fetal risk
regular fetal heart rate monitoring and uterine activity assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when absolutely required for maternal survival
continuous fetal monitoring, maternal blood pressure and cardiac output
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
discontinue breastfeeding or express and discard milk during treatment
monitor infant for hypotension or feeding issues if breastfeeding continues
pediatric_age
neonatesinitiate at 2-5 mcg/kg/min, titrate carefully
use only in ICU setting with invasive monitoring, appropriate for neonatal shock or hypotension
continuous arterial blood pressure, cardiac monitoring, urine output
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants children2-20 mcg/kg/min based on indication
weight-based dosing, titrate to desired hemodynamic effect
continuous cardiac monitoring, blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower end of dosing range
increased sensitivity to catecholamines, higher risk of adverse cardiac effects
close cardiac monitoring, frequent blood pressure checks
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentno major adjustment, titrate to effect
use with caution in ESRD, metabolites may accumulate
monitor for accumulation of metabolites, watch for arrhythmias
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmenttitrate to clinical effect
use with caution, primarily hepatically metabolized
monitor hemodynamics closely, watch for unexpected accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Administration route
Route of administration
Hemodynamically significant hypotension and shock states including septic shock, cardiogenic shock, and hypovolemic shock; low cardiac output conditions; acute kidney injury with compromised renal perfusion.
Dopamine produces dose-dependent effects: at low doses it activates dopaminergic receptors improving renal and mesenteric blood flow; at moderate doses it stimulates beta-1 adrenergic receptors increasing cardiac contractility and output; at high doses it activates alpha-1 receptors causing peripheral vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation.
Administered only by intravenous infusion with continuous hemodynamic monitoring. Extravasation can cause severe tissue damage requiring immediate intervention. Contraindicated in patients with uncorrected tachyarrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, or pheochromocytoma. Requires careful titration and monitoring due to varying effects at different doses.
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
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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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy