dobutamine

Generic Name: dobutamine (doe BUE ta meen)

Brand Names: Dobutrex

What is dobutamine?

Dobutamine is a direct-acting inotropic agent.

Dobutamine is used for short term treatment of patients with cardiac decompensation.

Dobutamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about dobutamine?

Dobutamine should be administered by a healthcare provider. It is typically administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

Other drugs can interact with dobutamine resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, you are taking.

Dobutamine use has been associated with increased blood pressure, allergic reactions and other serious side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions regarding the potential side effects associated with dobutamine use.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using dobutamine?

Tell your doctor about all prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products that your are taking.

Dobutamine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take dobutamine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Do not use dobutamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use dobutamine?

Dobutamine should be administered by a healthcare provider. It is typically administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

Your healthcare provider will store dobutamine as directed by the manufacturer.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since the medication will be administered by a healthcare provider, missing a dose should not occur.

What happens if I overdose?

Dobutamine is typically administered by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting where an emergency situation or overdose can be handled properly.

What should I avoid while using dobutamine?

Other drugs can interact with dobutamine resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, you are taking.

Dobutamine side effects

Dobutamine use has been associated with increased blood pressure, allergic reactions and other serious side effects.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dobutamine Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

The rate of infusion needed to increase cardiac output usually ranges from 2.5 to 15 mcg/kg/min. The initial dosage may be titrated upward by 2.5 mcg per kg per minute as tolerated to maintain systemic blood pressure and urine output. Administration rates greater than 40 mcg per kg per min may be necessary in serious situations.

Usual Adult Dose for Shock:

The rate of infusion needed to increase cardiac output usually ranges from 2.5 to 15 mcg/kg/min. The initial dosage may be titrated upward by 2.5 mcg per kg per minute as tolerated to maintain systemic blood pressure and urine output. Administration rates greater than 40 mcg per kg per min may be necessary in serious situations.

What other drugs will affect dobutamine?

Other drugs can interact with dobutamine resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, you are taking.

More dobutamine resources

• Dobutamine Side Effects (in more detail)
• Dobutamine Dosage
• Dobutamine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Dobutamine Drug Interactions
• Dobutamine Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Dobutamine - Add your own review/rating

• Dobutamine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Dobutamine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Dobutamine Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Dobutamine Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)

Compare dobutamine with other medications

• Heart Failure
• Shock

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about dobutamine written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: dobutamine side effects (in more detail)