Dopamine injection
What is this medication?
DOPAMINE (DOH puh meen) is a vasoconstrictor and inotrope. This medicine is used to treat low blood pressure and heart failure.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Intropin
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- circulation problems in fingers or toes (Raynaud's disease)
- dehydration
- irregular heartbeat or rhythm
- pheochromocytoma
- an unusual or allergic reaction to dopamine, sulfites, corn, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medicine is injected into a vein. It is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. This drug is not for regular use.
What may interact with this medication?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
- certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
- certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
- diuretics
- ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
- general anesthetics like isoflurane
- haloperidol
- MAOIs like Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- oxytocin
- phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
- phenytoin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
- signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; breathing problems
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- anxious
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
