II. Indications
III. Mechanism
- Benzapine derivative that acts primarily as a selective Dopamine Agonist at peripheral DA1 receptors
- Also act at alpha-2 adrenoreceptors
- Vasodilation and Antihypertensive activity
- Also increases Prolactin release
- Promotes Sodium and water diuresis via increased vasodilation and renal Blood Flow
IV. Preparation
- Prepare 40 mcg/ml solution by diluting 10 mg in 250 ml D5W
V. Precautions
- Monitor Heart Rate and Blood Pressure closely (Intensive Care, emergency department)
VI. Dosing: Adults
- Start 0.1 mcg/kg/min (11 ml/h for a 70 kg patient)
- Titrate as needed every 15 min to 0.1 to 1.6 mcg/kg/min
VII. Dosing: Children
- Start 0.1 to 0.2 mcg/kg/min
- Titrate as needed every 20 to 30 min to 0.3 to 0.5 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum infusion rate: 0.8 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum duration: 4 hours
VIII. Adverse Effects
- Reflex Tachycardia
- More common with doses >0.1 mcg/kg/min
-
Increased Intraocular Pressure
- Use caution in Glaucoma
IX. Drug Interactions
- Avoid with Beta Blockers (higher risk of Hypotension)
X. Metabolism
- Half-Life: 5 minutes
XI. Safety
- Pregnancy Category B
- Unknown safety in pregnancy
XII. Resources
XIII. References
- Olson (2020) Clinical Pharmacology, Medmaster Miami, p. 68-9
- Hamilton (2020) Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia