Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP a sympathomimetic amine vasopressor, is the naturally occurring immediate precursor of norepinephrine. Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP is a white to off-white crystalline powder, which may have a slight odor of hydrochloric acid. It is freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol. Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP is sensitive to alkalies, iron salts, and oxidizing agents. Chemically it is designated as 4-(2-aminoethyl) pyrocatechol hydrochloride, and its molecular formula is C8H11NO2 • HCl.

The structural formula is:

and the molecular weight is 189.64.

Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is a clear, practically colorless, sterile, pyrogen-free, aqueous solution of Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP for intravenous infusion after dilution. Each milliliter of the 40 mg/mL preparation contains 40 mg of Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP (equivalent to 32.31 mg of dopamine base). Each milliliter of the 80 mg/mL preparation contains 80 mg of Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP (equivalent to 64.62 mg of dopamine base). Each milliliter of both preparations contains the following: Sodium metabisulfite 9 mg added as an antioxidant; citric acid, anhydrous 10 mg; and sodium citrate, dihydrate 5 mg added as a buffer. May contain additional citric acid and/or sodium citrate for pH adjustment. pH is 3.3 (2.5 to 5.0).

Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP must be diluted in an appropriate sterile parenteral solution before intravenous administration. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION)

Dopamine is a natural catecholamine formed by the decarboxylation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). It is a precursor to norepinephrine in noradrenergic nerves and is also a neurotransmitter in certain areas of the central nervous system, especially in the nigrostriatal tract, and in a few peripheral sympathetic nerves.

Dopamine produces positive chronotropic and inotropic effects on the myocardium, resulting in increased heart rate and cardiac contractility. This is accomplished directly by exerting an agonist action on beta-adrenoceptors and indirectly by causing release of norepinephrine from storage sites in sympathetic nerve endings.

Dopamine’s onset of action occurs within five minutes of intravenous administration, and with dopamine’s plasma half-life of about two minutes, the duration of action is less than ten minutes. However, if monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are present, the duration may increase to one hour. The drug is widely distributed in the body but does not cross the blood-brain barrier to a significant extent. Dopamine is metabolized in the liver, kidney, and plasma by MAO and catechol‑O-methyltransferase to the inactive compounds homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3,4‑dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. About 25% of the dose is taken up into specialized neurosecretory vesicles (the adrenergic nerve terminals), where it is hydroxylated to form norepinephrine. It has been reported that about 80% of the drug is excreted in the urine within 24 hours, primarily as HVA and its sulfate and glucuronide conjugates and as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. A very small portion is excreted unchanged.

The predominant effects of dopamine are dose-related, although it should be noted that actual response of an individual patient will largely depend on the clinical status of the patient at the time the drug is administered. At low rates of infusion (0.5 – 2 mcg/kg/min) dopamine causes vasodilation that is presumed to be due to a specific agonist action on dopamine receptors (distinct from alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors) in the renal, mesenteric, coronary, and intracerebral vascular beds. At these dopamine receptors, haloperidol is an antagonist. The vasodilation in these vascular beds is accompanied by increased glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, sodium excretion, and urine flow. Hypotension sometimes occurs. An increase in urinary output produced by dopamine is usually not associated with a decrease in osmolality of the urine.

At intermediate rates of infusion (2 – 10 mcg/kg/min) dopamine acts to stimulate the beta1-adrenoceptors, resulting in improved myocardial contractility, increased SA rate and enhanced impulse conduction in the heart. There is little, if any, stimulation of the beta2-adrenoceptors (peripheral vasodilation). Dopamine causes less increase in myocardial oxygen consumption than isoproterenol, and its use is not usually associated with a tachyarrhythmia. Clinical studies indicate that it usually increases systolic and pulse pressure with either no effect or a slight increase in diastolic pressure. Blood flow to the peripheral vascular beds may decrease while mesenteric flow increases due to increased cardiac output. Total peripheral resistance (alpha effects) at low and intermediate doses is usually unchanged.

At higher rates of infusion (10 – 20 mcg/kg/min) there is some effect on alpha-adrenoceptors, with consequent vasoconstrictor effects and a rise in blood pressure. The vasoconstrictor effects are first seen in the skeletal muscle vascular beds, but with increasing doses, they are also evident in the renal and mesenteric vessels. At very high rates of infusion (above 20 mcg/kg/min), stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors predominates and vasoconstriction may compromise the circulation of the limbs and override the dopaminergic effects of dopamine, reversing renal dilation and naturesis.

Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP is indicated for the correction of hemodynamic imbalances present in the shock syndrome due to myocardial infarction, trauma, endotoxic septicemia, open-heart surgery, renal failure, and chronic cardiac decompensation as in congestive failure.

Patients most likely to respond adequately to Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP are those in whom physiological parameters, such as urine flow, myocardial function, and blood pressure, have not undergone profound deterioration. Multiclinic trials indicate that the shorter the time interval between onset of signs and symptoms and initiation of therapy with blood volume correction and Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP, the better the prognosis. Where appropriate, blood volume restoration with a suitable plasma expander or whole blood should be accomplished prior to administration of Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP.

Poor Perfusion of Vital Organs – Urine flow appears to be one of the better diagnostic signs by which adequacy of vital organ perfusion can be monitored. Nevertheless, the physician should also observe the patient for signs of reversal of confusion or reversal of comatose condition. Loss of pallor, increase in toe temperature, and/or adequacy of nail bed capillary filling may also be used as indices of adequate dosage. Clinical studies have shown that when Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP is administered before urine flow has diminished to levels of approximately 0.3 mL/minute, prognosis is more favorable. Nevertheless, in a number of oliguric or anuric patients, administration of Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP has resulted in an increase in urine flow, which in some cases reached normal levels. Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP may also increase urine flow in patients whose output is within normal limits and thus may be of value in reducing the degree of pre-existing fluid accumulation. It should be noted that at doses above those optimal for the individual patient, urine flow may decrease, necessitating reduction of dosage.

Low Cardiac Output – Increased cardiac output is related to dopamine’s direct inotropic effect on the myocardium. Increased cardiac output at low or moderate doses appears to be related to a favorable prognosis. Increase in cardiac output has been associated with either static or decreased systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Static or decreased SVR associated with low or moderate movements in cardiac output is believed to be a reflection of differential effects on specific vascular beds with increased resistance in peripheral beds (e.g., femoral) and concomitant decreases in mesenteric and renal vascular beds.

Redistribution of blood flow parallels these changes so that an increase in cardiac output is accompanied by an increase in mesenteric and renal blood flow. In many instances the renal fraction of the total cardiac output has been found to increase. Increase in cardiac output produced by dopamine is not associated with substantial decreases in systemic vascular resistance as may occur with isoproterenol.

Hypotension – Hypotension due to inadequate cardiac output can be managed by administration of low to moderate doses of Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP which have little effect on SVR. At high therapeutic doses, dopamine’s alpha-adrenergic activity becomes more prominent and thus may correct hypotension due to diminished SVR. As in the case of other circulatory decompensation states, prognosis is better in patients whose blood pressure and urine flow have not undergone profound deterioration. Therefore, it is suggested that the physician administer Dopamine Hydrochloride, USP as soon as a definite trend toward decreased systolic and diastolic pressure becomes evident.

Dopamine HCl should not be used in patients with pheochromocytoma.

Dopamine HCl should not be administered to patients with uncorrected tachyarrhythmias or ventricular fibrillation.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

Do NOT add dopamine HCl to any alkaline diluent solution since the drug is inactivated in alkaline solution.

Patients who have been receiving MAO inhibitors prior to the administration of dopamine HCl will require substantially reduced dosage. See Drug Interactions below.

The following adverse reactions have been observed, but there are not enough data to support an estimate of their frequency.

Cardiovascular System:

-ventricular arrhythmia

-atrial fibrillation

-ectopic beats

-tachycardia

-anginal pain

-palpitation

-cardiac conduction abnormalities

-widened QRS complex

-bradycardia

-hypotension

-hypertension

-vasoconstriction

Respiratory System:

-dyspnea

Gastrointestinal System:

-nausea

-vomiting

Metabolic/Nutritional System:

-azotemia

Central Nervous System:

-headache

-anxiety

Dermatological System:

-piloerection

Other:

Gangrene of the extremities has occurred when high doses were administered for prolonged periods or in patients with occlusive vascular disease receiving low doses of dopamine HCl.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1‐877‐233‐2001 or FDA at 1‐800‐FDA‐1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In the case of accidental overdosage, as evidenced by excessive elevation of blood pressure, reduce rate of administration or temporarily discontinue dopamine HCl until patient’s condition stabilizes. Since dopamine’s duration of action is quite short, no additional remedial measures are usually necessary. If these measures fail to stabilize the patient’s condition, use of the short-acting alpha-adrenergic blocking agent phentolamine should be considered.

WARNING: This is a potent drug; it must be diluted before administration to the patient.

Dopamine hydrochloride injection is administered (only after dilution) by intravenous infusion.

Suggested Dilution – For the 40 mg/mL preparation, transfer by aseptic technique the contents containing either 5 mL, 200 mg or 10 mL, 400 mg of dopamine hydrochloride to either a 250 mL or 500 mL bottle of one of the sterile I.V. solutions listed below. For the 80 mg/mL preparation, transfer by aseptic technique the contents containing 10 mL, 800 mg of dopamine hydrochloride to a 250 mL, 500 mL or 1000 mL bottle of one of the following sterile I.V. solutions:

0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

5% Dextrose Injection, USP

5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

5% Dextrose and Lactated Ringer’s Injection

Sodium Lactate Injection, USP 1/6 Molar

Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP

The resultant dilutions are summarized in the following chart:

Dopamine hydrochloride injection has been found to be stable for a minimum of 24 hours after dilution in the foregoing I.V. solutions. However, as with all I.V. admixtures, dilution should be made just prior to administration.

Do NOT add dopamine hydrochloride to Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP or other alkaline I.V. solutions, since the drug is inactivated in alkaline solution.

Rate of Administration – Dopamine hydrochloride injection after dilution, is administered intravenously by infusion via a suitable I.V. catheter or needle. When administering dopamine hydrochloride (or any potent medication) by continuous intravenous infusion, it is advisable to use a precision volume control I.V. set. Each patient must be individually titrated to the desired hemodynamic or renal response to dopamine.

In titrating to the desired increase in systolic blood pressure, the optimum dosage rate for renal response may be exceeded, thus necessitating a reduction in rate after the hemodynamic condition is stabilized.

Administration at rates greater than 50 mcg/kg/min have safely been used in advanced circulatory decompensation states. If unnecessary fluid expansion is of concern, adjustment of drug concentration may be preferred over increasing the flow rate of a less concentrated dilution.

Suggested Regimen:

1. When appropriate, increase blood volume with whole blood or plasma until central venous pressure is 10 to 15 cm H2O or pulmonary wedge pressure is 14 to 18 mm Hg.

2. Begin infusion of diluted solution at doses of 2 – 5 mcg/kg/min of dopamine hydrochloride in patients who are likely to respond to modest increments of heart force and renal perfusion.

In more seriously ill patients, begin infusion of diluted solution at doses of 5 mcg/kg/min of dopamine hydrochloride and increase gradually using 5 to 10 mcg/kg/min increments up to a rate of 20 to 50 mcg/kg/min as needed. If doses in excess of 50 mcg/kg/min are required, it is advisable to check urine output frequently. Should urinary flow begin to decrease in the absence of hypotension, reduction of dopamine dosage should be considered. Multiclinic trials have shown that more than 50 percent of patients have been satisfactorily maintained on doses less than 20 mcg/kg/min.

In patients who do not respond to these doses with adequate arterial pressures or urine flow, additional increments of dopamine may be given in an effort to produce an appropriate arterial pressure and central perfusion.

3. Treatment of all patients requires constant evaluation of therapy in terms of blood volume, augmentation of cardiac contractility, and distribution of peripheral perfusion.

Dosage of dopamine should be adjusted according to the patient’s response, with particular attention to diminution of established urine flow rate, increasing tachycardia or development of new dysrhythmias as indices for decreasing or temporarily suspending the dosage.

4. As with all potent intravenously administered drugs, care should be taken to control the rate of administration to avoid inadvertent administration of a bolus of the drug.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow aqueous solution supplied as follows:

Avoid contact with alkalies (including sodium bicarbonate), oxidizing agents or iron salts.

Do not use the injection if it is darker than slightly yellow or discolored in any other way.

Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Manufactured by:

HIKMA FARMACÊUTICA (PORTUGAL), S.A.

Estrada do Rio da Mó, nº 8, 8A e 8B – Fervença,

2705 – 906 Terrugem SNT

PORTUGAL

Distributed by:

Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 

Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

Revised: August 2020

PIN491-WES/2

NDC 0143-9252-01      Rx only

DOPamine

Hydrochloride Injection, USP

200 mg per 5 mL

(40 mg/mL)

5 mL Single Dose Vial

NDC 0143-9252-25      Rx only

DOPamine

Hydrochloride Injection, USP

200 mg per 5 mL

(40 mg/mL)

CAUTION: MUST BE DILUTED

For Intravenous use

25 x 5 mL Single Dose Vials

NDC 0143-9254-01      Rx only

DOPamine

Hydrochloride Injection, USP

400 mg per 10 mL

(40 mg/mL)

10 mL Single Dose Vial

NDC 0143-9254-25      Rx only

DOPamine

Hydrochloride Injection, USP

400 mg per 10 mL

(40 mg/mL)

 CAUTION: MUST BE DILUTED

 For Intravenous use

25 x 10 mL Single Dose Vials