Dopamine and Ergonovine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Dopamine
No brand names on recordErgonovine
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Additive hypertensive effects
Interaction Deep Dive
Ergonovine (ergot-oxytocic agent) should not be used with vasopressors2. Concomitant use may cause severe, persistent hypertension, or cerebrovascular accidents 21. One case report describes a female who developed symmetrical gangrene of the hands and feet following ergonovine and DOPamine cotherapy 5. Concomitant administration of ephedrine and ergonovine has been reported to result in serious postpartum hypertension effects, including stroke. Carefully monitor blood pressure in patients who receive both agents 34.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Unknown
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) A 34-year old female who presented to the hospital with vaginal bleeding was given a dose of ergonovine 0.4 mg IV before a dilatation and curettage procedure, and another dose of ergonovine 0.4 mg IV post-operatively to control bleeding. Two hours later, the patient became severely hypotensive and was transferred to the intensive care unit, where DOPamine 10 mcg/kg/min was initiated. Following a total hysterectomy for an infarcted uterus, DOPamine was increased to 20 mcg/kg/min. Within 48 hours, symmetrical gangrene of both hands and feet was evident, and DOPamine was discontinued. The gangrene persisted, and the patient died 11 days later of septicemia. Gangrene has been reported following the use of DOPamine alone, and is also a recognized complication of ergotism. In this case, it was felt that the combination of ergonovine and DOPamine caused a synergistic vasoconstrictive effect, resulting in gangrene 5.
Common questions
Can I take Dopamine and Ergonovine together?
Additive hypertensive effects Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Dopamine and Ergonovine interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Dopamine or Ergonovine need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (5)
- Product Information: Xylocaine(R) with Epinephrine injection solution, lidocaine HCl epinephrine injection solution. Fresenius Kabi (per FDA), Lake Zurich, IL, 2018. DailyMed
- Product Information: Carbocaine(TM) injection solution, mepivacaine HCl injection solution. Hospira Inc (per FDA), Lake Forest, IL, 2018. DailyMed
- Product Information: CORPHEDRA(TM) IV Injection, ephedrine sulfate IV injection. Par Pharmaceutical (per FDA), Chestnut Ridge, NY, 2017.
- Product Information: AKOVAZ(TM) intravenous injection, ephedrine sulfate intravenous injection. Eclat Pharmaceuticals (per FDA), Chesterfield, MO, 2016. DailyMed
- Buchanan N, Cane RD, & Miller M: Symmetrical gangrene of the extremities associated with the use of dopamine subsequent to ergometrine administration. Intensive Care Med 1977; 3:55-56. PubMed
Keep reading about Dopamine
Keep reading about Ergonovine
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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