What is the recommended dopamine infusion rate range?

• A. 1-5 mcg/kg/min
• B. 5-20 mcg/kg/min
• C. 20-40 mcg/kg/min
• D. 0.5-2 mcg/kg/min

Answer: (B)

Dopamine works in dose-dependent steps: at low doses it mainly stimulates dopaminergic receptors, which can improve renal and mesenteric blood flow; at moderate doses it starts to boost heart contractility and rate via beta-1 effects; at high doses it causes vasoconstriction through alpha receptors. For hemodynamic support in shock, the aim is to raise blood pressure and improve organ perfusion without causing excessive vasoconstriction. The commonly used infusion range to achieve this balance is 5-20 mcg/kg/min. Within this range you get a helpful mix of inotropy and vasoconstriction to elevate mean arterial pressure and perfusion. Doses in the very low range (0.5-2) are more about renal effects and are not reliable for pressor support, while very high doses (20-40) increase the risk of marked vasoconstriction and potential tissue ischemia.