What it means
In the brain, dopamine is a neurotransmitterNOOR-oh-trans-mit-erA chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.neur/o nervetrans- acrossmitt send-er one that doesFull entry that helps control movement, mood and reward; losing it causes Parkinson diseasePAR-kin-sun dih-ZEEZA slowly worsening brain disease in which the nerve cells that help control movement die off.Full entry . As a drug, it is a catecholamine given by continuous IV infusion in critical care to treat shock and low blood pressure. Its effects change with the dose: at moderate doses it strengthens the heartbeat, and at higher doses it tightens blood vessels.
For the nurse
Give it on an infusion pump, through a central line when possible, with continuous heart and blood pressure monitoring. Watch the IV site: leaking into the tissue can kill skin, and the boxed warning names phentolamine as the antidote to inject into the area. Watch for fast or irregular heartbeats. IV adrenergic agonists are on the ISMP high-alert list.
At a glance
| Drug class | adrenergic agonist (vasopressor, inotrope) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | dopamina |
Easy to confuse with
dobutamine
An IV drug that makes the heart muscle squeeze harder, used for short-term support of a weak heart.
Related terms
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
epinephrine
A hormone and drug, also called adrenaline, that raises heart rate and blood pressure and opens the airways.
norepinephrine
A hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.
neurotransmitter
A chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.
dobutamine
An IV drug that makes the heart muscle squeeze harder, used for short-term support of a weak heart.