About dobutamine hcl
Synthetic catecholamine inotrope
Used for
- Short-term treatment of low cardiac output in acute heart failure or after heart surgery
- Stress echocardiography to assess heart function
Usual adult dose
Infusion usually starts at 2–5 micrograms/kg/min, adjusted to response; stress testing uses a protocol-specific infusion.
Usual dose in children
Infusion usually starts at 2–5 micrograms/kg/min, adjusted carefully to response.
Common side effects
- Fast heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm
- Raised blood pressure or chest pain
- Headache, nausea, or vomiting
- Injection-site inflammation
Important warnings
- Given by intravenous infusion with continuous heart rhythm and blood pressure monitoring.
- May worsen abnormal rhythms, high blood pressure, or heart-related chest pain.
- Can lower blood pressure or rarely cause severe allergic reactions.
- Use caution with low blood volume or obstruction to blood leaving the heart.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; adequate pregnancy safety data are limited.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; assess clinical need and potential infant exposure.
Interactions
- Beta blockers may reduce dobutamine’s effects.
- MAO inhibitors can intensify effects and increase blood pressure or rhythm risks.
- Other medicines affecting heart rhythm or blood pressure may increase adverse effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.