74 dobutamine

Feb 23, 2015

Dobutamine

Generic Name

dobutamine

Trade Name

Dobutrex

Indication

short term management of heart failure

Action

Dobutamine has a positive inotropic effect (increases cardiac output) with very little effect on heart rate.  Stimulates Beta₁ receptors in the heart.

Therapeutic Class

inotropic

Pharmacologic Class

beta-adrenergic agonist

Nursing Considerations

• Monitor hemodynamics: hypertension, ↑HR, PVCs
• Skin reactions may occur with hypersensitivity
• Beta blockers may negate therapeutic effects of dobutamine
• Monitor cardiac output
• Monitor peripheral pulses before, during, and after therapy
• DO NOT confuse dobutamine with dopamine