DOBUTAMINE
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved doputamine on July 23, 2002. It is an inotropic agent that helps to change the contraction force of the heart.
Uses
Dobutamine is used for cardiac patients with decreased cardiac output. It is used to treat heart failure and heart attack in patients. It is involved in the constriction of the blood vessels, which helps to treat people who have low blood pressure. It may be administered by cardiac surgeon during open surgery in order to recover low cardiac output at surgery.
How is it administered?
Doputamine is administered by intravenous infusion ideally by doctor or nurse. It is available as syringes in different doses such as 50 mg per ml, 200 mg per ml and 250 mg per ml. Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with dobutamine Injection are chest pain, feel sick, headache, fever, inflammation of the injected site, inhibited blot clot formation. If you experience any allergic reactions such as swelling hand, face and feet, lips after taking this injection, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure and cardiac related problems. Dobutamine Injection is actively involved in stimulating the heart muscles and constriction of the blood vessels. The medication has not been given to expectant mothers, and it should only be used in situations when the projected advantages clearly outweigh any possible hazards to the foetus.
Precautions
Consult your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant while breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you feel any joint pain or any undesirable symptoms during the medication. Patients with abnormal thickening of the left ventricle (idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis) and hypersensitive may inform the doctor before administering dobutamine Injection.
Word of Advice
Dobutamine should only be used under the close supervision of medical professionals with access to facilities for frequent, intensive monitoring of cardiovascular and renal parameters. It is not recommended for patients with cardiac problems. Elderly patients need close monitoring of blood pressure and other clinical testing.
References
Hameln Pharma Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on February 2022] [Accessed on Sep2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6270.pdf Hospira Healthcare Corporation, US Food and Drug Administration, [Accessed on 15th Jan 2022], DOBUTamine - Accessdata.fda.gov KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Adrenergic system and drugs, 7th edition, 2013,134. Robert R.Ruffolo, JR; Review: The Pharmacology of Dobutamine; Published on October 1987; Accessed on 06/09/2023; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3310640/ .
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the foods we should avoid during dobutamine medication?
Alcohol and meal connections are unknown. It does not mean that there are no interactions. Always get advice from your doctor.
Did dobutamine alter urine output?
Yes, high doses of it may increase the urine volume and sodium excretion in the body. It is caused either by a direct effect of dobutamine on the kidney.
What will happen if dobutamine is overdosed?
The half-life of dobutamine is under 2 minutes, therefore toxicity is extremely uncommon. Chest pain, palpitations, headaches, tremors, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting are among the symptoms that are typically brought on by sympathetic overstimulation.
What should not be combined with dobutamine?
The severity of high blood pressure can be high when dobutamine is combined with aceclofenac. Hence, we need to inform the doctor if we need to take it along with it.
Can I stop using dobutamine?
No, dobutamine will lose its effect, leaving your heart unable to pump. Hence, always consult your doctor before stopping the medication.