Avoidance of vascular complications associated with the use of dopamine

Dopamine, dihydroxyphenylethylamine has three distinct actions depending on dosage. Low doses in the range of 1-2 mcg/kg/min result in vasodilatation. Medium doses of 2-10 mcg/kg/min increase cardiac output due to beta adrenergic action, while above 10 mcg/kg/min a potent vasoconstrictor effect predominates. Because of this last action great care must be used to avoid extravasation of infusions of dopamine directly into the tissue. Dopamine is a very useful agent but carries great potential to do local damage. Administration through a catheter placed into a large vein is recommended. Should extravasation occur, prompt infiltration of the area with phentolamine and a local anaesthetic, local cooling and regional sympathetic block may reduce the damage. The case is reported of a patient who suffered extensive necrosis in the forearm following local extravasation of dopamine.