Generic Name:

Dobutamine

Trade Name:

Dobutrex

Action:

Beta adrenergic agonist
Positive inotropic agent

Indications:

Congestive heart failure
Cardiogenic shock
Low cardiac output

Administration Guidelines:

Usual Dosage Range and Route:

200 to 1000 mcg / min as titrated to hemodynamic parameters

Standard Concentrations:

250 mg / 250 ml
500 mg / 250 ml
1000 mg / 250 ml

Syringe Based, variable flow, continuous microinfusion pump: 250 mg / 50 ml

EW Standards

250 mg / 250 ml
500 mg / 250 ml
1000 mg / 250 ml

Special Considerations:

- Increases myocardial oxygen consumption, may aggravate angina in patients with ischemic heart disease

- PA-line monitoring of cardiac output, cardiac index, PCWP, CVP, SVR, is encouraged during maintenance infusions

- Combined therapy with nitroprusside may result in increased co, decreased pcwp, increased stroke volume

Precautions and Side Effects:

- Ventricular arrhythmias, tachycardia
- Hypotension, hypertension
- Angina
- Hypokalema