Inotropic and Vasoactive Catecholamines

Drug

Dosage

Hemodynamic Actions

NorepinephrineSome Trade Names
LEVOPHED
Drug Information

4 mg/250 mL or 500 mL 5% D/W continuous IV infusion at 8–12 μg/min initially, then at 2–4 μg/min as maintenance, with wide variations

α-Adrenergic: vasoconstriction

β-Adrenergic: inotropic and chronotropic effects*

DopamineSome Trade Names
INTROPIN
Drug Information

400 mg/500 mL 5% D/W continuous IV infusion at 0.3 mL (0.25 mg)–1.25 mL (1 mg)/min

2–10 μg/kg/min for low dose

20 μg/kg/min for high dose

α-Adrenergic: vasoconstriction†

β-Adrenergic: inotropic and chronotropic effects and vasodilation†

Nonadrenergic: renal and splanchnic vasodilation

DobutamineSome Trade Names
DOBUTREX
Drug Information

250 mg/250 mL 5% D/W continuous IV infusions at 2.5–10 μg/kg/min

β-Adrenergic: inotropic effects‡