DOPAMINE HCL

Drug Name: DOPAMINE HCL

DOPAMINE HCL DESCRIPTION:
DOPAMINE - INJECTION (DOPE-uh-meen)

COMMON DOPAMINE HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Intropin

DOPAMINE HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting or headache may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: any irregular or rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, trouble breathing. Unlikely but report promptly: any major change in the amount of urine, unusually cool skin, rapid change in skin color, painful arms or legs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DOPAMINE HCL:
DOPAMINE HCL: DOPAMINE HCL is given by injection through a vein (larger arm vein is preferred) in an IV solution. The dilution and amount of medication given depend on the condition treated and how much fluid can be safely given. Follow all doctor and pharmacist instructions exactly. If MAO inhibitors (see Drug Interactions) have been used within the past 2-3 weeks, the starting dose of DOPAMINE HCL should be no more than one-tenth of the usual dose. The contents of the IV solution should be examined for discoloration or particles before use. Solutions darker than slightly yellow or containing particles should be discarded. The infusion rate of DOPAMINE HCL should be slowly reduced before stopping. Other IV solutions may be needed to prevent low blood pressure.

DOPAMINE HCL USES:
DOPAMINE HCL is used to treat heart conditions. The medication provides additional pumping strength by stimulating the heart muscle. In some patients it is used for improving kidney blood supply.

DOPAMINE HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Before using DOPAMINE HCL, tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies (especially drug allergies), blood vessel disease, pheochromocytoma, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Leakage of the IV solution into the tissue around the vein is to be avoided. Swelling or pain at the injection site must be promptly reported. Caution is advised when using DOPAMINE HCL in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. DOPAMINE HCL should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether DOPAMINE HCL is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using DOPAMINE HCL is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DOPAMINE HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), alpha-blockers (e.g., prazosin, doxazosin, terazosin), anesthetics (e.g., halothane or cyclopropane), phenytoin. Do not add DOPAMINE HCL to IV solutions containing sodium bicarbonate or other alkaline solutions, oxidizing agents or IV iron products since DOPAMINE HCL will be inactivated. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DOPAMINE HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

DOPAMINE HCL NOTES:
Frequent blood and urine tests and heart monitoring are performed with use of DOPAMINE HCL.

MISSED DOPAMINE HCL DOSE:
Not applicable. DOPAMINE HCL is given continuously until therapy is completed.

DOPAMINE HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. DOPAMINE HCL is stable for a minimum of 24 hours after it is diluted into the IV solution. Follow all instructions for proper storage/use. Consult the pharmacist. 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.