DOBUTREX

Drug Name: DOBUTREX

DOBUTREX DESCRIPTION:
DOBUTAMINE - INJECTION (doh-BYOU-tuh-mine)

COMMON DOBUTREX BRAND NAME(S):
Dobutrex

DOBUTREX SIDE EFFECTS:
Notify your doctor if muscle cramps or weakness, chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, palpitations, or rash occur. Also, headache, nausea or vomiting and restlessness may occur. Notify your doctor if they continue or are bothersome. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DOBUTREX:
DOBUTREX: DOBUTREX is given by IV infusion under the supervision of your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist. The medication is diluted to at least 50 ml fluid before use.

DOBUTREX USES:
DOBUTREX is used to treat heart conditions. The medication provides additional pumping strength by stimulating the heart muscle.

DOBUTREX PRECAUTIONS:
Before using this, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, any allergies, pheochromocytoma, or irregular heartbeat/arrhythmias. DOBUTREX should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether DOBUTREX is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding to review risks.

DOBUTREX DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medicines you take, especially antidepressants (esp. tricyclics), maprotiline, beta-blockers, digoxin, reserpine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), methyldopa or guanethidine. Dobutamine cannot be mixed with alkaline solutions such as sodium bicarbonate. Several other advisories apply to mixing or administering DOBUTREX. The pharmacist can assist with any questions or further information. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DOBUTREX OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tremor, headache, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

DOBUTREX NOTES:
Blood tests, particularly potassium and kidney function, are generally performed during treatment, as well as assessment of your heart and lung function and blood pressure.

MISSED DOBUTREX DOSE:
Follow instructions from your health care provider if you have problems with your IV infusion, or if treatment is interrupted.

DOBUTREX STORAGE:
Dobutamine diluted in IV solutions should be used within 24 hours. Freezing should be avoided. Refrigerate IV solutions until use. Pink discoloration is harmless if medication is used within proper time limits. Store away from moisture and light. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.