Dopamine (HCl)
Dopamine (HCl) Information

About Dopamine (HCl)

Dopamine occurs in the CNS naturally in the basal ganglia where it functions as a neurotransmitter as well as in the adrenal medulla. Chemically Dopamine (HCl) is 3, 4-dihydroxyphenethyamine. Dopamine (HCl) is the immediate metabolic precursor to norepinephrine. It can activate a and ß adrenergic receptors. It raises the blood pressure and effective in treating acute heart attack. It provides additional pumping strength by stimulating the heart muscle. In some patients, Dopamine (HCl) is used for improving kidney blood supply.

Indications

Dopamine (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Acid-related dyspepsia, Cardiogenic shock, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Heart failure, Metastatic colorectal cancer, Oliguria, Septic shock, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Parkinson's disease, Prolactinoma.

Contraindication

Dopamine (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Phaeochromocytoma,Thyrotoxicosis,Tachyarrythmia,Ventricular fibrillation.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Dopamine (HCl), which give rise to further complications include Hypertension, Tissue necrosis, Tissue sloughing, Peripheral ischemia.Dopamine (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Arrhythmias, Anginal pain, Ventricular arrhythmias. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Dopamine (HCl) therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Dopamine (HCl) include Elevation of BP.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Dopamine (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Dyspnea, Palpitation, Tachycardia, Bradycardia, Elevated blood pressure, Glucose intolerance, Mydriasis, Piloerection, Azotemia.

Warnings

Dopamine must be used cautiously in patients with heart disease, particularly coronary artery disease, because its actions increase the myocardial oxygen demand. It should be used with caution in individuals with sulfite hypersensitivity (some preparations of dopamine contain sulfites.), since these antioxidant compounds can cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This reaction appears to be more common in asthmatic than non-asthmatic patients. Dopamine is classified as a pregnancy category C drug. Use during pregnancy should be avoided unless the potentialbenefits outweigh the unknown potential risks to the fetus. Closely monitor urine flow, cardiac output and blood pressure during infusion of dopamine. Infuse into the large vein to avoid necrosis and sloughing of surrounding tissues.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.