Fenoldopam
Fenoldopam is a synthetic dopamine analog that acts primarily as a dopamine D1 receptor agonist. It is used to treat severe hypertensive emergencies in hospital settings by rapidly lowering blood pressure through vasodilation. The medication is administered intravenously and provides dose-dependent blood pressure reduction.
Fenoldopam is an IV blood pressure medication used in hospitals for severe hypertensive emergencies that works by dilating blood vessels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CA19
- RxNorm
- 24853
- Generic
- Fenoldopam
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Corlopam
- 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
- 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
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and uterine blood flow assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid use 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 to hypotensive effects; monitor blood pressure closely
frequent blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesuse with caution - limited data
use only in critical care settings under close supervision; not well studied in neonates
continuous blood pressure and cardiac monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentspediatric dosing established
dosing based on weight; use in hypertensive emergencies; monitor for excessive hypotension
continuous blood pressure and cardiac monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
use standard dosing; monitor renal function and blood pressure
monitor renal function and blood pressure
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution; may need more frequent monitoring
frequent blood pressure and renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
use with caution; drug is extensively metabolized
monitor blood pressure and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks; significant hepatic impairment may affect metabolism
frequent blood pressure and liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Year of FDA approval for Fenoldopam
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic effect
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Treatment of severe hypertension in hospital settings, particularly hypertensive emergencies where rapid blood pressure reduction is required.
Acts as a dopamine D1 receptor agonist, causing vasodilation of renal, mesenteric, and peripheral blood vessels, which leads to decreased systemic vascular resistance and lowered blood pressure.
Administered intravenously under close medical supervision; may cause reflex tachycardia, headache, or flushing; use requires continuous hemodynamic monitoring; typically used short-term in acute care settings.
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