5.1 Tissue Ischemia
Administration of dopamine to patients who are hypotensive from hypovolemia can result in severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction, decreased renal perfusion and hypouresis, tissue hypoxia, lactic acidosis, and poor systemic blood flow despite “normal” blood pressure. Address hypovolemia prior to initiating Dopamine HCl Injection [seeDosage and Administration (2.2)].
Gangrene of the extremities has occurred in patients with occlusive vascular disease or who received prolonged or high dose infusions. Monitor for changes to the skin of the extremities in susceptible patients.
Extravasation of Dopamine HCl Injection may cause necrosis and sloughing of surrounding tissue. To reduce the risk of extravasation, infuse into a large vein [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], check the infusion site frequently for free flow, and monitor for signs of extravasation.
Emergency Treatment of Extravasation
To prevent sloughing and necrosis in areas in which extravasation has occurred, infiltrate the ischemic area as soon as possible, using a syringe with a fine hypodermic needle with:
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- 5 to 10 mg of phentolamine mesylate in 10 to 15 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection in adults
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- 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg of phentolamine mesylate up to a maximum of 10 mg per dose in pediatric patients.
Sympathetic blockade with phentolamine causes immediate and conspicuous local hyperemic changes if the area is infiltrated within 12 hours.
5.4 Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions due to Sodium Metabisulfite Excipient
Dopamine HCl Injection contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.