- See: 
- Inotropic Agents 
- Indications for Dopamine:

* infuse at initial rate: 2-5 ug/kg/min, then titrate to effect, 
* max = 50 ug/kg/min based on effect; 
* at 2 - 5 ug/kg/min: dilates renal, & intestinal arterioles; 
* 2-10ug/kg/min (Beta > Alpha); (ideal dose range) 
- positive inotrop; increases CO; 
* 10-20 ug/kg/min (alpha >> B): 
- peripheral vaso-constriction, increases BP, increased systemic resistance; 
- > 15 ug/kg/min may/will decrease Renal Perfussion; monitor urinary output; 
- dosage is too high when there is unacceptable incr. in heart rate, SVR, PCWP pressure, orarrhythmias; 
- Precautions: 
- dopamine increases Wedge Pressure and requires monitoring of wedge pressure; 
- dopamine should be used for inotropic support and low SBP only when Dobutamine has failed; 
- monitor EKG for Tachycardia, 
* Supplied: Injection 40 mg/ml, 80 mg/ml, 160 mg/ml; 
- Setting the Dosage: 
- set microdrip controller to equal the number of ug/kg/min of dopaime; 
- patient wt(kg) x 15 = amount of dopamine (mg) added to 250 ml of D5W; 
- setting of 10 microdrops then approximates 10 ug/kg/min being infused; 
- contents of 1 to 2 ampules (400 ug/amp) is mixed in 250 ml of 5% dextrose; 
- this yeilds concentration of 1600 or 3200 ug/ml, respectively

The renal effects of low-dose dopamine in thermally injured patients. 

Effects of Hypothermia on Hemodynamic Responses to Dopamine and Dobutamine