Dopamine is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of low blood pressure, low cardiac output and improves blood flow to the kidneys. Dopamine may be used alone or with other medications. Dopamine belongs to a class of drugs called Inotropic Agents.
Dopamine is used to treat hypotension (low blood pressure), low cardiac output, and reduced perfusion of body organs due to shock, trauma, and sepsis. Dopamine is available in only the generic form
The word renal reflects the drug's renal effects: At low dosages, dopamine dilates renal arteries, increases urine output, and protects the kidneys from injury.
Dopamine is frequently administered in the ICU to critically-ill patients. The widespread use of dopamine does not only involve states of distributive and cardiogenic (imminent) shock, but also prophylaxis for deterioration and/or improvement of kidney- and bowel perfusion.
