Dobutamine

Dobutrex

Dobutamine is a synthetic inotrope used to improve cardiac output in heart failure and cardiogenic shock, particularly in ICU patients with low cardiac index.

Quick Facts

  • Indication: Cardiogenic shock, acute heart failure, low cardiac output states.
  • Dosage: Initial: 0.5–20 mcg/kg/min IV infusion, titrated to effect; usual range: 2–20 mcg/kg/min.
  • Side Effects: Tachycardia, Hypertension, Arrhythmias, Angina, Hypotension

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Details

  • Drug Class: Inotrope
  • Administration: Intravenous
  • Pregnancy Category: B
  • Legal Status: Prescription only
  • Forms & Strengths: 12.5 mg/mL Solution for injection (20 mL, 40 mL vials)
  • Manufacturer: Eli Lilly, Hospira

Research Highlights

Gupta et al. (2024) showed dobutamine improved cardiac index in acute heart failure patients but required careful monitoring for arrhythmias, supporting its use with hemodynamic guidance (Gupta et al., 2024).

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References

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