Dobutrex

Dobutrex

Dobutrex

What is Dobutrex?

Dobutrex is used short-term to treat cardiac decompensation due to heart muscle weakness.

Dobutrex is usually given after trying other heart medications without success.

Dobutrex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dobutrex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these problemsSigns of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver immediately if you have:

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat;

• a light-headed feeling, as if you were going to faint;

• wheezing, chest tightness;

• dangerously high blood pressure – severe headaches, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, anxiety, confusion, irregular heartbeat, seizures; or

• Signs of an infection in your catheter – pain, swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, or skin changes at the site where the medicine is injected.

Common side effects of Dobutrex may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• fever, tingling;

• Headache; or

• Leg cramps.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

During treatment with Dobutrex, your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be closely monitored.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use Dobutrex if you are allergic to it.

To make sure Dobutrex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• high blood pressure;

• heart valve disease; or

• Asthma or sulfite allergy.

FDA pregnancy category B. Dobutrex is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether dobutamine passes into breast milk or whether it could harm a breastfed baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

How is Dobutrex administered?

Dobutrex is injected into a vein through a catheter. A doctor will give you this injection.

You will receive Dobutrex in a hospital or clinic to quickly treat any serious side effects that occur.

Frequent medical examinations may be necessary while using Dobutrex. Your heart function may need to be checked with an electrocardiograph or EKG (sometimes called an EKG).

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you are using the medicine at home, call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Dobutrex.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid when using Dobutrex?

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any food, drink, or activity restrictions.

What other drugs affect Dobutrex?

Other medications can interact with dobutamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medications you are taking now and any medications you are starting or stopping taking.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.