A beta-2 agonist catecholamine that has cardiac stimulant action without evoking vasoconstriction or tachycardia. It is proposed as a cardiotonic after myocardial infarction or open heart surgery. [PubChem]
Indication
For inotropic support in the short- term treatment of patients with cardiac decompensation due to depressed contractility resulting either from organic heart disease or from cardiac surgical procedures
Pharmacology
Dobutamine is a direct-acting inotropic agent whose primary activity results from stimulation of the beta-adrenoceptors of the heart while producing comparatively mild chronotropic, hypertensive, arrhythmogenic, and vasodilative effects. Dobutamine acts primarily on beta-1 adrenergic receptors, with little effect on beta-2 or alpha receptors. It does not cause the release of endogenous norepinephrine, as does dopamine. Dobutamine is indicated when parenteral therapy is necessary for inotropic support in the short-term treatment of patients with cardiac decompensation due to depressed contractility resulting either from organic heart disease or from cardiac surgical procedures.
Affected Organisms
Humans and other mammals
Half Life
2 minutes
Elimination
In human urine, the major excretion products are the conjugates of dobutamine and 3-O-methyl dobutamine.
A catecholamine that is 4-(3-aminobutyl)phenol in which one of the hydrogens attached to the nitrogen is substituted by a 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl group. A beta1-adrenergic receptor agonist that has cardiac stimulant action without evoking vasoconstriction or tachycardia, it is used as the hydrochloride to increase the contractility of the heart in the management of acute heart failure.
