Master Dobutamine Nursing Considerations

Dobutamine’s primary activity results from its stimulation of beta-1 adrenoreceptors of the heart, leading to increased contractility and cardiac output.

This medication is a positive inotrope, meaning that it increases cardiac output and contractility.

This drug is indicated for use in patients with acute, or potentially reversible heart failure to increase cardiac output. Other uses include after cardiac surgery, or in patients with cardiogenic shock.

Due to it’s beta-1 adrenergic stimulation, dobutamine can lead to tachycardia in patients.

As patients can develop tachycardia with administration of dobutamine, and it can lead to ventricular arrhythmias.

Because of the possibility for adverse cardiac side effects, patients should be monitored when this medication is administered, via ECG for tachycardia and they should also be watched for hypertension. Typically the medication is given via continuous IV infusion in an inpatient setting.

A notable drug interaction exists between dobutamine and MAOI’s and TCA’s. MAOI’s and TCA’s can increase the potency of dobutamine, so providers should be aware of a patient’s medication history prior to administration.