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).
Not for kidney protection or cardiac arrest: Dopamine at low ("renal") doses does not prevent or treat acute kidney injury. It has no place in CPR.

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)
High-Alert Medication: The common errors are mcg/kg/min confused with mcg/min, and the wrong bag concentration in the pump library (800, 1,600 or 3,200 mcg/mL: 2- to 4-fold errors). Watch for DOPamine and DOBUTamine mix-ups. Flushing the line gives a bolus. Independently double-check drug, concentration, dosing weight and pump rate at the start, at every bag change and at handoff.

Adult Dosing

IndicationDose & RouteRepeat / MaxNotes
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

IndicationDose (per kg) & RouteMax Single / Max TotalNotes
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

SettingExample ConcentrationStartTitrateUsual 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
Pump rate (weight-based)
mL/hr = dose (mcg/kg/min) × weight (kg) × 60 ÷ concentration (mcg/mL). Example: 5 mcg/kg/min × 80 kg × 60 ÷ 1,600 mcg/mL = 15 mL/hr

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

EffectRecognitionManagement
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

ParameterWhen / How OftenTarget / 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 / ClassEffectWhat 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

"Renal-dose" dopamine is a myth: The Australian and New Zealand (ANZICS) trial gave 2 mcg/kg/min to 328 ICU patients with early renal dysfunction. Compared with placebo, it changed neither peak creatinine, nor dialysis need, nor deaths. More urine is not kidney protection. Do not start dopamine for urine output.
Dopamine vs other vasoactive drugs:
  • 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.
Bradycardia bridge, not a cure: After atropine fails, AHA 2025 lists dopamine, an epinephrine infusion and transcutaneous pacing as options. Treat the cause. Arrange transvenous pacing.
After ROSC: Keep mean arterial pressure at least 65 mm Hg (2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 11, COR 1, LOE B-R). The evidence is not strong enough to recommend one specific vasopressor (COR 2b, LOE B-NR). In cardiogenic shock, dopamine has been linked to a less favorable safety profile than norepinephrine.
Exam discriminator: The first vasopressor in septic shock is norepinephrine, not dopamine. SSC 2026 gives that as a strong recommendation. SOAP II saw about twice the arrhythmias with dopamine. After atropine fails, the options are dopamine 5–20 mcg/kg/min, an epinephrine infusion or transcutaneous pacing (2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 9, COR 2b, LOE C-LD). Arrange transvenous pacing while that happens. If norepinephrine is unavailable in shock, dopamine or epinephrine is the fallback. "Renal protection" is always wrong.

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

RouteOnsetPeakDuration
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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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

Last updated Spotted something wrong? Report an error and include the page URL.

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.
AI Assistance Notice
AI was used to assist in organizing, paraphrasing, and formatting this information.