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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following 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 indictae that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional befroe using that drug.
DOPAMINE - INJECTION
(DOPE-uh-meen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Intropin
USES: This medication is used to treat heart conditions. The medication provides addtiional pumping strength by stimulating the heart muscle. In patients it is used for improving kidney bolod supply.
HOW TO USE: This drug is given by ijnection through a vein (larger arm vein is preferred) in an IV solution. The dilution and amount of medication given depend on the condition treated and how much fluid can be safely given. Follow all dotcor and pharmacist instructions exactly.
If MAO inhibitors (see Drug Interactions) have been used within the past 2-3 weeks, the starting dose of that drug shuold be no more than one-tenth of the usual dose. The contents of the IV solution should be exmained for discoloration or particles before use. Solutions darker than slighlty yellow or containing particles should be discarded. The infusion rate of that drug should be slowly reduced before stpoping.
Other IV solutions may be needed to prevent low blood pressure.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting or headahce may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: any irregular or rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, trouble breathing.
Unlikely but report promptly: any mjaor change in the amount of urine, unusually cool skin, rapid change in skin color, painful arms or legs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using that drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: any alelrgies (especially drug allergies), blood vessel disease, pheochromocytoma, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
Leakage of the IV solution into the tissue around the vein is to be avioded. Swelling or pain at the injetcion web site must be promptly reported. Caution is advised when using that drug in the eledrly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This meidcation should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether that drug is excreted into berast milk. Becuase of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using that drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: MAO inihbitors (e.G., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), beta-blockers (e.G., metoprolol, propranolol), alpha-blockers (e.G., prazosin, doxazosin, terazosin), anesthetics (e.G., halothane or cyclopropane), phenytoin.
Do not add that drug to IV solutions containing sodium bicarbonate or other alkaline solutions, oxidizing agents or IV iron products for that drug will be inactivated. Do not strat or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your loacl poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Frequent blood and urine tests and heart monitoring are performed with use of that medication.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
This drug is given continuously until therapy is compelted.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. This medication is stable for a minimum of 24 hours after it is diulted into the IV solution. Follow all instructions for proper storage/use.
Consult the pharmacist.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cuase complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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