Dopexamine
Dopexamine is a synthetic catecholamine with dopaminergic and adrenergic properties used primarily in critical care settings for short-term hemodynamic support. It acts on dopamine D1 and D2 receptors as well as beta-2 adrenergic receptors to increase cardiac output and improve blood flow to vital organs. This medication is administered intravenously in hospital settings, typically in intensive care units.
Dopexamine is an inotropic vasodilator used to support cardiac function and circulation in critically ill patients with acute heart failure or low cardiac output states.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CA14
- RxNorm
- 23638
- Generic
- Dopexamine
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- 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
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
generalavoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue or avoid
not recommended during breastfeeding due to unknown excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
elderlystart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to increased sensitivity and potential cardiovascular fragility
close hemodynamic monitoring, monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrennot established
use only in pediatric intensive care settings with experienced personnel
intensive hemodynamic monitoring required
renal_impairment
severemonitor closely, no specific dose adjustment
use with caution in severe renal impairment, monitor for accumulation
monitor renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severemonitor closely, no specific dose adjustment
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to altered metabolism
monitor hepatic function and hemodynamic parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval status
Prescribing information for Dopexamine in United States
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Dopexamine
Common uses
Therapeutic applications of Dopexamine
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Dopexamine is used for acute heart failure, low cardiac output states, and hemodynamic instability in critically ill patients. It may be employed during or after cardiac surgery to support circulatory function.
Dopexamine acts primarily as a dopamine D1 and D2 receptor agonist with additional beta-2 adrenergic agonist activity. It causes vasodilation in renal, mesenteric, and coronary blood vessels while increasing cardiac output through positive inotropic effects, resulting in improved tissue perfusion.
Dopexamine is administered by intravenous infusion in controlled hospital settings with continuous hemodynamic monitoring. Common side effects may include tachycardia, hypotension, and arrhythmias. It should be used with caution in patients with hypovolemia, and is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity or those taking non-selective beta-blockers.
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 August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy