Bedside Snapshot
- Use It For
- Symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to atropine (bridge to pacing); distributive or low-output shock, second-line to norepinephrine or when norepinephrine is unavailable
- Adult Dose
- Bradycardia: 5–20 mcg/kg/min IV, titrated to response
- Shock: start 2–5 mcg/kg/min IV, titrate in 5–10 mcg/kg/min steps (label max 50)
- Differs from FDA label: the label covers shock only
- Pediatric Dose
- Shock when norepinephrine or epinephrine is unavailable, or for other specific causes: 2–20 mcg/kg/min IV (NASEMSO v3.0). Differs from FDA label: label starts 2–5, max 50, same as adults. Not for pediatric bradycardia.
- Onset / Duration
- IV infusion: onset within 5 min / effect ends within about 10 min of stopping (up to 1 hr after MAO inhibitors)
- Do Not Give / Hold If
- Pheochromocytoma; uncorrected tachyarrhythmia or VF; uncorrected hypovolemia (fill first). Reduce or hold for new tachyarrhythmia or rising ectopy, mottled or cold limbs, or IV site swelling or blanching
- Watch For
- Tachyarrhythmias (continuous ECG); extravasation necrosis (frequent site checks); limb or gut ischemia (skin color, lactate); hypotension if stopped abruptly
- Reversal / Rescue
- Effect ends within about 10 min of stopping. Extravasation: phentolamine 5–10 mg in 10–15 mL 0.9% NaCl infiltrated as soon as possible (pediatric 0.1–0.2 mg/kg, max 10 mg)
- Must Remember
- Infusion only, never a bolus: confirm DOPamine (not DOBUTamine), bag concentration and dosing weight on the pump. Above 20 mcg/kg/min, add or switch to norepinephrine
Indications
Emergency & Prehospital
- Symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to atropine: Dopamine speeds up the heart rate. It is an alternative to transcutaneous pacing while transvenous pacing is arranged (off-label; 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9, COR 2b, LOE C-LD)
- Hypotensive shock when norepinephrine is not available: Use it second-line. Epinephrine is the other option. Monitor the rhythm closely.
ED / ICU / Transport
- Distributive shock, including septic shock: The FDA label covers it, but it is second-line. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) 2026 strongly recommends norepinephrine over dopamine as the first-line vasopressor. The evidence is high-certainty.
- Shock from reduced cardiac output (cardiogenic shock): The FDA label covers it. Dopamine has been linked to a less favorable safety profile, and possibly worse outcomes, than norepinephrine (2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11). See also dobutamine.
- Pediatric septic shock: Epinephrine or norepinephrine are the usual first-line infusions. Dopamine may be considered when epinephrine or norepinephrine is unavailable (2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8, COR 2b, LOE C-LD; dose from NASEMSO v3.0; see Pediatric Shock).
Dosing & Administration
Doses vary by protocol; follow local protocols and medical direction. The doses below follow the cited guideline or label. Where they differ from the FDA label, that is marked.
Available Forms
- Concentrate vials (must be diluted): 40 mg/mL in 5 mL (200 mg) or 10 mL (400 mg); 80 mg/mL in 5 mL (400 mg) or 10 mL (800 mg)
- Premixed in 5% dextrose (D5W) (common in ED, ICU and transport): 800 mcg/mL (200 mg/250 mL or 400 mg/500 mL), 1,600 mcg/mL (400 mg/250 mL or 800 mg/500 mL) and 3,200 mcg/mL (800 mg/250 mL)
- Excipient: Vials and premixed bags both carry a sulfite antioxidant (sodium metabisulfite or bisulfite)
Adult Dosing
| Indication | Dose & Route | Repeat / Max | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symptomatic bradycardia after atropine (off-label) | 5–20 mcg/kg/min IV infusion, titrated to heart rate, blood pressure and perfusion | No fixed max: titrate to effect; usual upper limit 20 mcg/kg/min; if still unstable, pace or change agent | High-alert 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9 (COR 2b, LOE C-LD) and the ACLS bradycardia algorithm (dopamine 5–20 mcg/kg/min): after atropine, options are dopamine, epinephrine infusion (2–10 mcg/min) or pacing. Differs from FDA label: the label covers shock only (start 2–5 mcg/kg/min, max 50). |
| Shock: distributive or low cardiac output (FDA label) | Start 2–5 mcg/kg/min IV infusion; titrate in 5–10 mcg/kg/min steps; usual range 2–20 mcg/kg/min | Label max 50 mcg/kg/min; above 20 mcg/kg/min α effects dominate, so add or switch to norepinephrine | High-alert Correct hypovolemia, acidosis and hypoxia first; second-line to norepinephrine |
| Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within 2–3 weeks | Start no higher than one-tenth of the usual starting dose (about 0.2–0.5 mcg/kg/min IV infusion) | Titrate slowly; usual label max (50 mcg/kg/min) still applies; expect an exaggerated, prolonged response | High-alert Includes linezolid; effect is exaggerated and lasts up to about 1 hr |
Dosing weight: The label does not name one. Most protocols use actual body weight. Pick one convention per patient and say which at handoff.
Pediatric Dosing
| Indication | Dose (per kg) & Route | Max Single / Max Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluid-refractory shock when norepinephrine or epinephrine is unavailable, or for other specific causes of shock | 2–20 mcg/kg/min IV infusion, titrated to blood pressure and perfusion | Titrate within 2–20 mcg/kg/min (NASEMSO v3.0 range; no separate maximum stated). Differs from FDA label: label max 50 mcg/kg/min | High-alert NASEMSO v3.0, Shock (Non-Trauma), pediatric treatment, item 11a(iii). 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8 (COR 2b, LOE C-LD): dopamine may be considered in fluid-refractory septic shock if epinephrine or norepinephrine are unavailable; epinephrine or norepinephrine are the usual first-line infusions (COR 2a, LOE C-LD). Part 8 also lists dopamine among inotrope options in pediatric cardiogenic shock (COR 2b, LOE C-EO). Differs from FDA label: the vial label gives 2–5 mcg/kg/min to start and up to 50 for adults and children; the premixed-bag label starts children at 1–5 mcg/kg/min with a usual maximum of 15–20. |
| Neonates | Published starts 1–5 mcg/kg/min IV infusion (premixed-bag label); increase slowly, and only once blood pressure is stable at the current rate | Specialist use: follow the neonatal unit protocol | Used from birth; clearance highly variable, half-life 5–11 min. Such low doses need considerable dilution of premixed bags; avoid umbilical artery infusion (vasospasm) |
Pediatric bradycardia: This is not a labeled use. NASEMSO v3.0 says dopamine is not indicated for pediatric patients (Bradycardia guideline), and it is not a PALS bradycardia drug. Oxygenate and ventilate. If HR stays <60/min with poor perfusion despite that, start CPR and give epinephrine. Use atropine for increased vagal tone or primary AV block. Consider pacing (2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8, pediatric bradycardia algorithm).
Use the smart-pump standard concentration. Then run the weight-based dosing checks.
Continuous Infusion
| Setting | Example Concentration | Start | Titrate | Usual Range / Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult, standard | 400 mg/250 mL (1,600 mcg/mL) premix, example (institution-specific) | 2–5 mcg/kg/min (bradycardia: 5 mcg/kg/min) | 5–10 mcg/kg/min steps, reassessing within 5 min of each change | Bradycardia 5–20 mcg/kg/min (AHA 2025 Part 9); shock 2–20 mcg/kg/min; label max 50 mcg/kg/min |
Preparation & Administration
- Dilution: Use the premixed bag when you have one. If you dilute vials, use a compatible fluid (see Interactions). For example, 400 mg added to a 250 mL bag is labeled 1,600 mcg/mL, but the true concentration is about 1,540 mcg/mL unless 10 mL of diluent is removed first. Follow the institutional standard-concentration recipe. It is stable for 24 hr. Add no other drugs. Do not use it if it is darker than slightly yellow.
- Pump requirement: Continuous infusion only, on a smart pump and a dedicated line or lumen. Never IV push. Never flush the line, because the flush is a hidden bolus. Fluid-restricted patients get the 3,200 mcg/mL bag.
- Line: Use a large vein. Antecubital veins are better than the hand or ankle. Use a poorer site only when treatment cannot wait, then move to a better site or a central line as soon as you can. In septic shock, start peripherally rather than delay for central access (SSC 2026, adults and children).
- Weaning: Turn the rate down gradually while you expand volume with IV fluids. Abrupt stops can cause marked hypotension.
Contraindications & Precautions
Contraindications
- Pheochromocytoma: Every current FDA label contraindicates it.
- Uncorrected tachyarrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation: The current premixed-bag (Baxter) label contraindicates it. The PLR-format vial labels (Hospira, Hikma) list arrhythmias as a warning to monitor and treat instead. Control the rhythm before you start.
- Corn allergy: Dextrose-containing premixed bags may be contraindicated (Baxter label).
- Sulfite sensitivity (relative): Every label carries a warning. The sulfite excipient can cause anaphylaxis or a severe asthma attack.
Precautions
- Hypovolemia: The body clamps down hard, with severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction and lactic acidosis, even when the blood pressure looks "normal." Correct volume first. No response? Suspect hidden hypovolemia.
- Acidosis, hypoxia or hypercapnia: Each one weakens the drug and raises the risk of adverse effects. Correct them before and during the infusion.
- Occlusive vascular disease (atherosclerosis, Raynaud's, Buerger's, prior cold injury): Gangrene has happened even at low doses. Watch extremity color and temperature.
- Ischemic heart disease or arrhythmia history: Tachycardia, ectopy and angina are more likely. Prefer norepinephrine.
Hold / Reassess If
- New tachyarrhythmia or increasing ectopic beats: Reduce the dose if you can. If it persists, change the agent.
- Diastolic pressure rises disproportionately (pulse pressure narrows): Reduce the rate, and watch for excessive vasoconstriction.
- Cool, mottled or dusky extremities: Reduce the dose or stop it. Reassess volume.
- Swelling, blanching, coolness or pain at the IV site: Stop the infusion into that site at once. Restart it promptly through other access. Have that access ready, or place it in parallel, because pressure falls within minutes. Then treat the extravasation.
- Hypotension at low rates, or needing more than 20 mcg/kg/min: At low rates, raise the rate quickly first. If hypotension persists, add or switch to norepinephrine (or epinephrine). Do not keep escalating dopamine alone. Look for a missed cause: bleeding, tamponade, tension pneumothorax or an uncontrolled sepsis source.
Adverse Effects & Toxicity
Common
- Tachycardia, palpitations and ectopic beats (arrhythmic events in 24.1% of patients on dopamine vs 12.4% on norepinephrine in the SOAP II shock trial)
- Localized vasoconstriction from extravasation, the most common reaction on the label
- Anginal chest pain, dyspnea
- Nausea, vomiting, headache, anxiety, piloerection
- Hypertension. Less often, hypotension or bradycardia
Serious / Life-Threatening
| Effect | Recognition | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Tachyarrhythmias | Atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmia, widened QRS on the monitor | Reduce the dose or switch to norepinephrine; correct hypoxia and electrolytes |
| Extravasation necrosis | Blanching, swelling, coolness or pain at the site | Stop the infusion into the site at once and restart it promptly through other access (ready or placed in parallel), because pressure falls within minutes. Leave the old cannula in place and aspirate, then remove it; elevate. Infiltrate phentolamine 5–10 mg in 10–15 mL 0.9% NaCl with a fine needle as soon as possible, within 12 hr (pediatric 0.1–0.2 mg/kg, max 10 mg). If phentolamine is unavailable, follow the institutional extravasation protocol |
| Limb, digital or gut ischemia | Mottled or dusky digits, cold limbs, abdominal pain, rising lactate | Reduce or stop; correct hypovolemia; change agent; surgical review for gangrene |
| Hypotension after abrupt stop | Pressure falls when the infusion stops or the line is interrupted | Restart, then wean gradually with volume expansion; keep a spare bag for transfers |
Overdose & Toxicity Management
- Signs: excessive blood pressure rise, tachyarrhythmias, peripheral vasoconstriction.
- Immediate: Reduce the rate or stop it for a moment. The effect wears off within about 10 min, so no other treatment is usually needed.
- If that fails: Consider a short-acting α-adrenergic blocker such as phentolamine. Involve toxicology.
- Antidote: There is no specific antidote. For extravasation, phentolamine is the antidote.
Monitoring
| Parameter | When / How Often | Target / Act If |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical: heart rate and rhythm | Continuous ECG from the start | New tachyarrhythmia, more ectopy or ischemic change: reduce dose or switch agent. Bradycardia: rate and perfusion improving within minutes, or pace |
| Clinical: blood pressure | Every 2–5 min while titrating, then per protocol; arterial line for escalating doses | Septic shock: initial mean arterial pressure (MAP) target 65 mmHg (SSC 2026, strong); 60–65 mmHg reasonable if aged 65 or older (conditional). Narrowing pulse pressure: reduce rate (see Hemodynamic Monitoring) |
| Clinical: perfusion and urine output | Hourly: mental status, capillary refill, extremity color and temperature, urine output | Urine <0.5 mL/kg/hr or mottled digits: reassess volume; falling urine flow without hypotension at high doses: reduce dopamine |
| Laboratory: lactate | Baseline and every 2–4 hr while elevated | Not falling: reassess volume, cardiac output and gut ischemia |
| Infusion safety: IV site | At least hourly, with every titration and after every patient move | Swelling, blanching or pain: stop, restart elsewhere, give phentolamine |
| Infusion safety: dose and concentration | Each titration, bag change and handoff | Dose climbing above 20 mcg/kg/min: plan norepinephrine or epinephrine; concentration on bag must match pump |
Interactions & Compatibility
Clinically Significant Interactions
| Drug / Class | Effect | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, rasagiline, linezolid) | Prolonged, exaggerated effect: severe hypertension and arrhythmia | If taken within 2–3 weeks, start at no more than one-tenth of the usual dose |
| Halogenated anesthetics (sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane) | Myocardial sensitization: ventricular arrhythmias, hypertension | Continuous ECG; extreme caution during anesthesia |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Potentiated pressor effect | Monitor blood pressure closely |
| Other vasopressors, ergonovine and oxytocic drugs | Severe hypertension, including in labor | Monitor blood pressure; titrate one drug at a time |
| IV phenytoin | Hypotension and bradycardia reported | Choose a different anticonvulsant if possible |
| β-blockers and α-blockers | β-blockers blunt cardiac effects; α-blockers blunt high-dose vasoconstriction | Expect a weaker response; titrate to effect |
| Butyrophenones (haloperidol), phenothiazines; diuretics | Antidopaminergics blunt low-dose renal and mesenteric vasodilation; diuretics add to the rise in urine flow | Little effect on the pressor response; do not read urine output alone as better perfusion |
IV Compatibility
- Diluents: 0.9% NaCl, D5W, D5/0.9% or D5/0.45% NaCl, lactated Ringer's (with or without D5), 1/6 molar sodium lactate.
- Incompatible: sodium bicarbonate and other alkaline solutions. They inactivate dopamine. Iron salts and oxidizing agents are incompatible too. Do not run blood through the same set (pseudoagglutination).
- Dedicated line or lumen: Keep boluses, flushes and intermittent drugs out of the dopamine line.
- Verify with an institutional compatibility resource.
Special Populations
- Pediatrics: Used from birth through adolescence. PLR-format labels give adult mcg/kg/min doses. The premixed-bag label starts children lower and steps up in smaller increments (see the Pediatric Dosing table). In septic shock, epinephrine or norepinephrine are the usual first-line infusions. For children, SSC 2026 found too little evidence to choose between them. It suggests starting vasoactive infusions peripherally rather than delaying them.
- Neonates: Clearance varies widely, and the half-life is 5–11 min. Newborns may be more sensitive to vasoconstriction. Vasospasm has happened with infusion through umbilical vessels. Follow the neonatal unit protocol. Published starts are 1–5 mcg/kg/min (see the Pediatric Dosing table).
- Pregnancy: There are no human data. Rat studies showed adverse developmental effects at about one-third of the human starting dose. Untreated shock can kill the mother and the fetus, so do not withhold treatment. Oxytocics can cause severe hypertension.
- Lactation: There are no data on passage into human milk, effects on the breastfed infant, or milk production.
- Older Adults: No differences in response have been identified. Start at the low end of the range. It is not on the AGS Beers Criteria.
- Renal Impairment: No specific adjustment is established. Clearance may fall by about half, so titrate to effect. Low-dose dopamine does not protect the kidneys.
- Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustment is established. Clearance may fall by about half, so titrate to effect.
- Obesity / Dosing Weight: The label gives no guidance. Actual body weight inflates mcg/kg/min doses. Some protocols use ideal or adjusted weight. State the weight you used.
Field & Transport Considerations
- Scope: Paramedic, RN and critical-care transport (CCT) teams work under local protocol. Whether EMS carries or starts dopamine varies by state and agency protocol.
- Storage & Stability: Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Protect premixed bags from freezing and from excessive heat. A brief exposure up to 40°C (104°F) is acceptable. Keep bags in the overwrap until use.
- Carried Concentration: Confirm whether the bag is 800, 1,600 or 3,200 mcg/mL, and that the pump library matches. Check the label for DOPamine vs DOBUTamine at every handoff.
- Infusions in Transport: Give it a dedicated pump channel and line. Carry enough volume for the trip plus delays. Check the IV site at every reassessment and after every move. If doses approach 20 mcg/kg/min, have the next agent (norepinephrine or epinephrine) planned.
- Handoff Essentials: indication, current dose (mcg/kg/min) and dosing weight, concentration, last titration and response, other vasoactive drugs, IV site and any phentolamine given.
Clinical Pearls
- Dopamine: D₁/D₂ first, then β₁, then α₁ as the dose rises. It is arrhythmogenic.
- Norepinephrine: α₁ with β₁. SSC 2026 makes it first-line in septic shock. It is preferred over dopamine for safety in cardiogenic shock (AHA 2025 Part 11).
- Epinephrine: β₁, β₂ and α₁. It is the alternative infusion for bradycardia.
- Dobutamine: A β₁ inotrope. It adds output, not pressure.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
- Low rates (under about 5 mcg/kg/min): D₁/D₂ agonism causes renal and mesenteric vasodilation. That brings more urine flow, but no kidney protection.
- Intermediate rates (about 5–10 mcg/kg/min): β₁ agonism raises heart rate, contractility and cardiac output.
- High rates (over 10, dominant above 20 mcg/kg/min): α₁ agonism causes vasoconstriction and raises systemic vascular resistance and pressure. Ischemia risk rises.
- Caveat: The dose bands overlap and differ between labels. The response depends on the patient's clinical state.
Pharmacokinetics
| Route | Onset | Peak | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IV infusion | Within 5 min | — | Less than about 10 min after stopping (up to 1 hr with MAO inhibitors) |
- Half-life: About 2 min in adults. It is 5–11 min in neonates.
- Metabolism: MAO and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) break about 75% down into inactive metabolites (homovanillic acid and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid).
- Active metabolites: About 25% becomes norepinephrine inside sympathetic nerve terminals.
- Elimination: About 80% leaves in the urine as metabolites within 24 hr.
- Distribution: It spreads widely. Little of it crosses the blood–brain barrier.
Names & Classification
- Generic Name
- Dopamine hydrochloride (doses written as the hydrochloride salt)
- Brand Names
- Intropin (no longer marketed in the US); generic vials and premixed D5W bags
- Pharmacologic Class
- Catecholamine; dopamine D₁/D₂, β₁ and α₁ adrenergic agonist (sympathomimetic)
- Therapeutic Class
- Inotrope / vasopressor
- Controlled Substance
- Not controlled
- ISMP High-Alert
- Yes: ISMP high-alert medication (adrenergic agonists, IV)
- Look-Alike / Sound-Alike
- DOPamine / DOBUTamine (tall-man lettering on US labels)
References
- Hospira, Inc. (2026). DOPAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE injection, for intravenous use (40 mg/mL vials): prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1f306ad2-3606-4525-5a8a-ce78f426c1a2
- Baxter Healthcare Corporation. (2020). DOPamine Hydrochloride and 5% Dextrose Injection, USP (premixed bags): prescribing information (label Rev. July 2017). DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=cb97d4a0-89ed-407c-a763-209386b6f75c
- Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. DOPAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE injection (40 mg/mL and 80 mg/mL single-dose vials): prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine, accessed October 2026. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0e499952-46c7-4172-8c70-186312e240a3
- Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). (2024). ISMP List of High-Alert Medications in Acute Care Settings. ISMP. https://www.ismp.org/recommendations/high-alert-medications-acute-list
- Wigginton, J. G., Agarwal, S., Bartos, J. A., Coute, R. A., et al. (2025). Part 9: Adult advanced life support: 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation, 152(16 Suppl 2), S538–S577. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001376
- American Heart Association. (2025). Part 11: Post-cardiac arrest care. In: 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/post-cardiac-arrest-care
- American Heart Association. (2025). Part 8: Pediatric advanced life support. In: 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/pediatric-advanced-life-support
- National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO). (2022). National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines, Version 3.0: Shock (Non-Trauma), Bradycardia and Universal Care guidelines. https://nasemso.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=157064&module_id=701974
- Prescott, H. C., Antonelli, M., Alhazzani, W., Møller, M. H., et al. (2026). Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International guidelines for management of sepsis and septic shock 2026. Intensive Care Medicine, 52(5), 863–936. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-026-08361-1
- Weiss, S. L., Peters, M. J., Oczkowski, S. J. W., Belley-Cote, E., et al. (2026). Surviving Sepsis Campaign international guidelines for the management of sepsis and septic shock in children 2026. Intensive Care Medicine, 52(5), 937–983. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-026-08360-2
- De Backer, D., Biston, P., Devriendt, J., Madl, C., et al. (2010). Comparison of dopamine and norepinephrine in the treatment of shock (landmark trial). New England Journal of Medicine, 362(9), 779–789. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa0907118
- Bellomo, R., Chapman, M., Finfer, S., Hickling, K., & Myburgh, J. (2000). Low-dose dopamine in patients with early renal dysfunction: A placebo-controlled randomised trial (landmark trial). Lancet, 356(9248), 2139–2143. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(00)03495-4
Medical Disclaimer
- For Educational Purposes Only: This content is intended for educational reference and should not be used for clinical decision-making.
- Not a Substitute for Professional Judgment: Always consult your local protocols, institutional guidelines, and supervising physicians.
- Verify Before Acting: Users are responsible for verifying information through authoritative sources before any clinical application.