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.