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How does it work?

Dobutamine hydrochloride works at a number of different receptor sites in the body, however it mostly acts on beta-receptors in the heart. When it binds to these receptors it causes an increase in the strength of the contractions of the heart. This is accompanied by a small increase in the rate at which the heart beats. Dobutamine is given by slow injection into the vein (intravenous infusion) to treat heart failure which is associated with heart attack, open heart surgery, severe bacterial infections of the blood, chronic disorders of the heart and shock. It may also be used for heart stress testing, as an alternative to exercise in people for whom routine exercise testing cannot be performed.

What is it used for?

- Cardiac stress testing
- Heart failure

Warning!

- You should have regular blood tests to monitor the amount of potassium in your blood while you are taking this medicine.
- Blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) should be regularly monitored during treatment with this medicine.
- This medicine contains the preservative sodium metabisulphite, which may cause allergic type reactions of varying severity in individuals who are sensitive to sulphites.

Use with caution in

- Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)
- Low volume of circulating blood (hypovolaemia)
- Narrowing of the main artery of the body (aortic stenosis)
- The period immediately following a heart attack (acute phase - myocardial infarction)
- Very low blood pressure (severe hypotension)

Not to be used in

- No known conditions

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.