dobutamine
CLINICAL USE
Inotropic agent
DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION
2.5–10 micrograms/kg/minute, increasing up to 40 micrograms/kg/minute according to response
PHARMACOKINETICS
DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT
GFR (mL/MIN)
DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES
IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS
Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugsBeta-blockers: possibly severe hypotension with beta-blockersDopaminergics: effects possibly enhanced by entacapone; avoid concomitant use with rasagiline
ADMINISTRATION
Reconstition
–
Route
Continuous
IV infusion
centrally via CRIP (or peripherally via a large vein)
Rate of Administration
Varies with dose
Comments
Dilute to at least 50 mL with sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5% (less than 5 mg/mL, ideally 0.5–1 mg/mL)250 mg may be diluted in as little as 50 mL diluentMinimum volume 10 mg/mL or even undiluted; give strong solution via central line (UK Critical Care Group, Minimum Infusion Volumes for fluid restricted critically ill patients, 3rd Edition, 2006)
OTHER INFORMATION
Cardiac and BP monitoring advised Sodium bicarbonate rapidly inactivates dobutamineSolution may turn pink, but potency is unaffectedCan cause hypokalaemia