Dopamine not effective for treatment of hypotension in chlorpromazine overdose: first case report

Dopamine is a popular and effective vasopressor agent. However, in the event of overdose with a potent alpha 1-receptor blocker, dopamine may not be effective in treatment of hypotension. A vasopressor that stimulates only alpha-receptors, such as norepinephrine or phenylephrine, may be more appropriate. In our case, dopamine was clearly ineffective, whereas norepinephrine worked well. Our case also demonstrates the importance of carefully monitoring the effectiveness of any vasopressor therapy.