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Dopamine

Prescription

Sympathomimetic / Vasopressor / Inotrope

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Dose-dependent receptor effects: Low (1–3 mcg/kg/min) = dopaminergic (renal vasodilation); Medium (3–10) = beta-1 (positive inotropy); High (>10) = alpha-1 (vasoconstriction).

At a glance

Class

Sympathomimetic / Vasopressor / Inotrope

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature; protect from light; discard if discolored

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for cardiogenic shock, oliguric renal failure, refractory hypotension

Dose

1–3 mcg/kg

Route

IV CRI only

Frequency

Continuous

🐈

Cat

Cats may be more susceptible to arrhythmias

Dose

2–10 mcg/kg

Route

IV CRI

Frequency

Continuous

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; protect from light; discard if discolored

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Continuous ECGBlood pressureUrine outputLactateIV site integrity

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Propranolol

major

Beta-blockers antagonize dopamine's beta-1 cardiac stimulatory effects (inotropy, chronotropy), leaving only alpha-mediated vasoconstriction at higher doses.

Management: If vasopressor needed in patient on beta-blocker, consider norepinephrine or phenylephrine (pure alpha) instead of dopamine. Higher dopamine doses may worsen hypertension without improving cardiac output.

Moderate — 1

Phenobarbital

moderate

Phenobarbital may reduce dopamine's hemodynamic effects through CNS depression and altered autonomic reflexes.

Management: May need higher dopamine infusion rates. Titrate to effect using blood pressure and urine output as endpoints.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Intropin

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Dopamine?

Dopamine is a sympathomimetic / vasopressor / inotrope used in pets. Dose-dependent receptor effects: Low (1–3 mcg/kg/min) = dopaminergic (renal vasodilation); Medium (3–10) = beta-1 (positive inotropy); High (>10) = alpha-1 (vasoconstriction).

›What is Dopamine used for in pets?

Dopamine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for cardiogenic shock, oliguric renal failure, refractory hypotension; Cats may be more susceptible to arrhythmias.

›What is the Dopamine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Dopamine is typically dosed as follows — Used for cardiogenic shock, oliguric renal failure, refractory hypotension: 1–3 mcg/kg IV CRI only Continuous. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Dopamine dose for cats?

For cats, Dopamine is typically dosed as follows — Cats may be more susceptible to arrhythmias: 2–10 mcg/kg IV CRI Continuous. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Dopamine need a prescription?

Yes. Dopamine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database