DOBUTamine
Indication
- An inotropic agent used to increase cardiac output
- Stimulates myocardial beta1-adrenergic receptors, increasing contractility and heart rate
Dosage Guidelines
- 5-20 microgram/kg/minute IV continuous infusion
- Begin at low dose and titrate to effect every 15 to 30 minutes as per MD/NP order
Administration
- IV continuous infusion
- For patients 1 kg or less:
- Use DOBUTamine 1 mg/mL
- To make 50 mL of DOBUTamine [1 mg/mL] [50 mg/50 mL]:
- Add 4 mL (50 mg) of DOBUTamine [12.5 mg/mL] to 46 mL of solution
- For patients over 1 kg:
- Use DOBUTamine 2 mg/mL
- To make 50 mL of DOBUTamine [2 mg/mL] [100 mg/50 mL]:
- Add 8 mL (100 mg) of DOBUTamine [12.5 mg/mL] to 42 mL of solution
- Administer via central line whenever possible
Adverse Effects
- Generally, dose-related: arrhythmias, increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Phlebitis
Comments
- Monitor blood pressure and ECG, urine output, heart rate and O2 saturation
- Hypovolemia should be corrected prior to use
- Check IV site routinely for extravasation
- If extravasation occurs, consider the use of phentolamine
- Non-response/poor response in blood pressure after DOBUTamine use can be related to its peripheral vasodilatory properties
Supplied As
- 12.5 mg/mL, 20 mL vial
- Supplied by Pharmacy as standard concentrations: of 1 mg/mL (supplied as 50 mg/50 mL of IV fluid ordered) and 2 mg/mL (100 mg/50 mL of IV fluid ordered)
- 1 kg or less: 1 mg/mL, supplied as 50 mg in 50 mL IV solution
- Over 1 kg: 2 mg/mL, supplied as 100 mg in 50 mL IV solution
- At LHSC, standard concentration reference charts are available on the NICU Intranet site
References
Lexi Sick Kids and Lexi Pediatric and Neonatal