Dobutamine in ICU

Dobutamine Dobutrex

0.5 to 1 mcg/kg/minute

(alternatively, 2.5 mcg/kg/minute in more severe cardiac decompensation) 2 to 20 mcg/kg/minute
20 to 40 mcg/kg/minute;

Doses >20 mcg/kg/minute are not recommended in heart failure and should be reserved for salvage therapy

Initial agent of choice in cardiogenic shock with low cardiac output and maintained blood pressure.
Add-on to norepinephrine for cardiac output augmentation in septic shock with myocardial dysfunction (eg, in elevated left ventricular filling pressures and adequate MAP) or ongoing hypoperfusion despite adequate intravascular volume and use of vasopressor agents.

Increases cardiac contractility and rate; may cause hypotension and tachyarrhythmias.
Must be diluted; a usual concentration is 250 mg in 500 mL D5W or NS (0.5 mg/mL); use of a commercially available pre-diluted solution is preferred.

Bhopalwala. H