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 should be closely monitored when this medicine is being given.

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.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy, therefore it is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Mothers who need to take this medicine should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Chest pain (angina)

Nausea

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

Inflammation of the wall of a vein (phlebitis)

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Fever (pyrexia)

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Shortness of breath

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved