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Dopamine

Intropin

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Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Cardiovascular

Routes

IV

Indications

Hypotensionoliguria

Mechanism of Action

Dose-dependent receptor activation: low dose (dopaminergic — renal vasodilation), moderate (beta-1 — inotropy), high (alpha-1 — vasoconstriction).

Side effects & warnings

IV CRI only. Tissue necrosis with extravasation — use central line if possible. Tachyarrhythmias possible. Do not mix with sodium bicarbonate.

Species with Dopamine dosing data (3 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)Rabbit (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 3 dose rules

Strong×1Moderate×1Weak×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published sources

  • · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Constant rate infusion (CRI)

Dopamine CRI dose rules from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.

  • Dog (Domestic)IV
    2–10 mcg/kg/minCRI

    Hypotension, oliguria

    StrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
  • Cat (Domestic)IV
    2–7 mcg/kg/minCRI

    Hypotension

    ModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 3 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)IV2–10 mcg/kg/minCRIStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)IV2–7 mcg/kg/minCRIModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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