Dopamine

Chemical

An endogenous catecholamine neurotransmitter of CNS & PNS with direct activity at DA, β1 & α1 receptors

Use

Inotrope

Renal protection

Presentation

Clear colourless solution for injection

40mg/mL

Diluted in D5W to avoid catecholamine oxidation in alkaline solution (pH D5W = 4)

Dose

IV infusion of 1 – 20mcg/kg/min

1 – 5 mcg/kg/min → D1 receptors of renal vasculature

5 – 10 mcg/kg/min → β1 receptors

>10 mcg/kg/min → α1 receptors

Route

Central vein

Onset

5 mins

MoA

D receptors → GS → activates AC → ↑cAMP → smooth m. relaxation in Renal A.

β1 receptors → GS → activates AC → ↑cAMP → ↑Ca2+

Heart: +ve inotropy, +ve chronotropy, +ve dromotropy

Metabolic: lipolysis, ↑FFA

Renal: ↑renin, ↑AII

β2 receptors → GS → activates AC → ↑cAMP

Heart: ↑Ca2+

Smooth m.: inhibits MLCK

Liver: activates glycogen phosphorelase

PD

CVS

+ve INOTROPY

+ve CHRONOTROPY

+ve DROMOTROPY

↑Renal BF

↑SVR

RESP

Dopamine is an inhibitory NT

At carotid body, may depress hypoxic drive

RENAL

↑Renal perfusion

↑GFR

Diuresis

PK

A

IV central vein

M

By plasma, liver, renal MAO & COMT to homovanillic acid & 3,4, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid

25% dose is converted to NA by adrenergic nerves

E

Metabolites conjugated to glucuronic acid for excretion

Adverse Effects

Dilates cerebral vessels

Oxygen responsiveness of carotid body attenuated

Pulmonary shunting

Arrhythmias

Mucosal ischaemia

Immune suppression

Needs CVC

Emesis → stimulates D2 receptors @ CTZ

Drug Interactions

MAOI

Inactivated by alkaline solutions