Dopamine injection

What is dopamine injection?

DOPAMINE (Dopastat®, Intropin®) helps your heart pump more effectively. It is for use in certain serious conditions such as shock and heart failure. Generic dopamine injections are available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive dopamine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• heart disease

• heart or circulation problems

• pheochromocytoma

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dopamine, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Dopamine is for infusion into a vein. It is usually administered by a health care professional in a clinic or hospital setting. Use of dopamine requires frequent monitoring to make sure that it is being used safely and effectively.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with dopamine?

• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems

• cyclopropane

• bromocriptine

• dihydroergotamine

• entacapone

• halothane

• linezolid

• medicines for high blood pressure

• methysergide

• medicine for mental depression

• phenytoin

• tolcapone

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking dopamine?

Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are getting side effects, especially if your heart beats irregularly or starts pounding; or if you have fainting spells or feel dizzy.

You may get dizzy. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

What side effects may I notice from receiving dopamine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing

• extreme weakness or tiredness

• fainting spells, lightheadedness

• fast heartbeat. or irregular pounding heartbeat

• pain, swelling, redness, or irritation at the injection site

• skin rash

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• nausea

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After mixing the injection solution use within 24 hours. Throw away any unused injection solution.