dobutamine

Dobutamine is a synthetic catecholamine and selective beta‑1 adrenergic agonist used primarily for short-term inotropic support in patients with cardiac decompensation due to depressed contractility from organic heart disease or following cardiac surgery. It increases the strength of the heart's contractions (positive inotropy), thereby improving cardiac output without causing significant vasoconstriction or tachycardia. Its mechanism involves direct stimulation of beta‑1 adrenergic receptors on cardiac myocytes, leading to increased cyclic AMP and enhanced calcium influx during systole. It is administered intravenously and has a rapid onset with a short half-life of about two minutes[1][5][6][7]. Common indications include acute but potentially reversible heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and as an agent for pharmacologic stress testing[6]. The drug was first approved in the United States in 1978[6].

Brand names

Dobutrex

Other names

(±)-4-(2-((3-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methylpropyl)amino)ethyl)pyrocatechol3,4-dihydroxy-N-[3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methylpropyl]-β-phenylethylamine4-{2-[3-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-1-methyl-propylamino]-ethyl}-benzene-1,2-diolDobutaminDobutaminaDobutaminum