Products
Dopamine is commercially available as an infusion solution concentrate (Dopamine Sintetica). It has been approved in many countries since 1975.
Structure and properties
Dopamine (C8H11NO2, Mr = 153.2 g/mol) is an endogenous substance formed from DOPA by decarboxylation and can be oxidized to norepinephrine.
Effects
Dopamine (ATC C01CA04) has sympathomimetic and dopaminergic properties. Effects are due to binding to dopamine receptors and alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
Indications
Cardiovascular shock caused by myocardial infarction, trauma, endotoxin septicemia, open-heart surgery, renal failure, severe acute hypotension.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as an intravenous infusion.
Cf.
Levodopa, dopamine agonists, dopamine antagonists, Parkinson’s disease.
