Paper I
2014 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Dopamine

Q43 marksShort Notes

Answer

Dopamine is an endogenous catecholamine used as a cardiovascular drug, with dose-dependent effects:

Dose-dependent actions

  • Low dose (0.5–2 mcg/kg/min): Acts on dopaminergic (D1) receptors — renal, mesenteric, coronary vasodilatation (“renal dose”)
  • Intermediate dose (2–10 mcg/kg/min): Acts on β1 receptors — increases heart rate and contractility (positive inotropic/chronotropic)
  • High dose (>10 mcg/kg/min): Acts on α1 receptors — vasoconstriction, increases blood pressure

Uses

  • Cardiogenic shock, septic shock
  • Acute heart failure with hypotension

Adverse effects

  • Tachycardia, arrhythmias
  • Hypertension (high dose)
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Tissue necrosis on extravasation (vesicant at higher doses)

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