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Intropin Side Effects

Generic name: dopamine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

Note: This document contains side effect information about dopamine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Intropin.

Applies to dopamine: parenteral injection concentrate for iv infusion, parenteral injection for iv infusion.

Warning

A standardized concentration for this drug has been established through Standardize 4 Safety (S4S), a national patient safety initiative to reduce medication errors, especially during transitions of care. The drug is included in a standard concentration list which may apply to an IV or oral compounded liquid formulation. For additional information, see the ASHP website [Web].

Side effects include:

Dopamine (the active ingredient contained in Intropin) may cause cardiac conduction abnormalities (e.g., ventricular arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, widened QRS complex, ectopic heartbeats), tachycardia, angina, palpitation, bradycardia, vasoconstriction, hypotension, hypertension, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, headache, anxiety, azotemia, piloerection, and gangrene of the extremities.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to dopamine: intravenous solution.

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Ectopic beats, tachycardia, anginal pain, palpitation, hypotension, vasoconstriction

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Aberrant ventricular conduction/ventricular arrhythmia, bradycardia, widened QRS complex, hypertension

Frequency not reported: Gangrene of the feet/extremities, peripheral cyanosis, fatal ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, cardiac conduction abnormalities[Ref]

Gangrene of the feet occurred in patients with preexisting vascular disorders and/or at doses of at least 10 to 14 mcg/kg/min given for prolonged periods of time.

Ventricular arrhythmias occurred at very high doses.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Gangrene

Frequency not reported: Piloerection[Ref]

Local

Frequency not reported: Necrosis, tissue sloughing, local ischemia and vasoconstriction[Ref]

Necrosis and tissue sloughing may be caused by extravasation of this drug.[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Anxiety[Ref]

Renal

Frequency not reported: Azotemia[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Mydriasis[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Hypovolemia[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Intropin (dopamine). DuPont Pharmaceuticals. 2002;PROD.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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