Dopamine

Dopamine is given to patients who suffer from certain types of heart disease. When injected into the body, this drug helps strengthen the heart so that it pumps more effectively. It is also sometimes prescribed to help improve kidney function.

Side Effects/Warnings

Some patients experience nausea, headache or vomiting while on this medication. If these effects become severe, patients should contact their doctors.

There is a risk of low blood pressure while on dopamine. Low blood pressure is characterized by extreme dizziness and drowsiness.

Patients may experience a blockage in some of their arteries that leads to numbness, coldness and tingling in the extremities while on this medication. This condition is called peripheral ischemia; in order to resolve it, the patient must be given phentolamine as soon as possible.