DOPAMINE

Usual Diluents

D5W,  NS

Standard Dilutions   [Amount of drug]  [Infusion volume]  [Infusion rate]

400 mg/ 250 ml [Titrate] 800 mg/ 250 ml [Titrate] (200 to 800 mg/ 250 to 500 ml)

Stability / Miscellaneous

EXP: 1 DAY (RT). The ICU's prefer 400 to 800mg/250 ml.  Calculation of drip rate (ml/hr) 400mg/250 ml: wt(kg) x mcg/min x 0.0375.  Refractory CHF: initial dose:  0.5 to 2 mcg/kg/min.     Renal: 1 to 5 mcg/kg/min.    Severely ill pt: initially  5 mcg/kg/min, increase by 5 to 10 mcg/kg/min (q10 to 30 min) up to max of 50 mcg/kg/min.   [0.5 to 2 mcg/kg/min-dopa; 2-10-dopa/beta; >10-primarily alpha.   Used to support BP, CO and renal perfusion in shock. Central line required.  *Central line required for administration of doses above 240 mcg/min; in cases of emergency or profound hypotension, dopamine may be given peripherally using the 200 mg / D5W 250 ml concentration while preparation for central line is underway.      Source: http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/pharmacy/ICU%20Guidelines/dopamine.htm EXTRAVASATION- May result in sloughing and tissue necrosis. Use central line or large veins e.g. cephalic or basilic, to decrease risk.   Treatment: Stop infusion. Restart at new IV site and notify physician. Physician to infiltrate area of extravasation with phentolamine: 5 - 10 mg diluted in 10 mL NS (adults); 0.1 - 0.2 mg/kg up to 10 mg diluted in 10 mL NS (pediatrics). Use a fine needle. To be effective, use within 12 hours.