DrugDigest  
 
    Search
 
  Drugs & Herbs
  Conditions
  News & Reviews
7 Steps to Safety
Check For Savings
Senior Corner
Glossary
eBulletins
Home
Express Scripts Member?

Drugs & Vitamins

Printable Version Dopamine

Active Ingredients: Dopamine
Representative Names: Intropin

What is dopamine injection?
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with dopamine?
What side effects may I notice from receiving dopamine?
What should I watch for while taking dopamine?
Where can I keep my medicine?

What is dopamine injection? (Back to top)
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 I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with dopamine? (Back to top)
•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 side effects may I notice from receiving dopamine? (Back to top)
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

What should I watch for while taking dopamine? (Back to top)
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.

Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

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


Last Updated:07/16/2003

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY©
GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Dopamine

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Dopamine, do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



Printable Version     Recommend this page to a friend