<p><strong>Adult dose</strong>: Where appropriate, the circulating blood volume must be restored with a suitable plasma expander or whole blood, prior to administration of dopamine. Begin infusion of dopamine hydrochloride solution at dosage of 2 to 5 micrograms/kg/min in patients who are likely to respond to a modest increment of heart force and renal perfusion.<br />
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In more seriously ill patients, begin infusion of dopamine hydrochloride solution at dosage of 5 micrograms/kg/min and increase gradually using 5 to 10 micrograms/kg/min increment up to 20 to 50 micrograms/kg/min as needed. If dosage in excess of 50 micrograms/kg/min are required, it is suggested that urine output should be checked frequently. In patients who do not respond to this doses, additional increments of dopamine may be given in an effort to achieve adequent blood pressure, urine flow and perfusion.<br />
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For patients with severe, refractory, chronic congestive heart failure doses should be started on 0.5 to 2 micrograms/kg/min, and the dose increased by 1 to 3 micrograms/kg/min as urinary output increases.<br />
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ECG, blood pressure and urine output should be monitored. Cardiac output and pulmonary wedge pressure should be monitored if possible.<br />
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<strong>Children less than 12 years old</strong>: The safety and efficacy of dopamine in children under 12 years has not been established.<br />
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<strong>Geriatric patients</strong>: No variation in dosage is suggested for geriatric patients. However, close monitoring is required for blood pressure, urine flow, and peripheral tissue perfusion.</p>

<p>Rate of administration: After dilution dopamine hydrochloride is administered intravenously through a suitable intravenous catheter or needle. An intravenous drip chamber or other suitable metering device is essential for controlling the rate of flow in drops per minute. Each patient must be individually titrated to the desired haemodynamic and/or renal response with dopamine hydrochloride. In titrating to the desired increase in systolic blood pressure, the optimum dosage rate for renal response may be exceeded, thus necessitating a reduction in rate after the haemodynamic condition is stabilized. Administration rate greater than 50 micrograms/kg/minute have safely been used in advanced circulatory decompensation states. If unnecessary fluid expansion is of concern, adjustment of drug concentration may be preferred over increasing the flow rate of a less concentrated dilution.</p>