Dobutamine Ampule Dosing
Dobutamine is supplied in ampules containing 250 mg of dobutamine in various volumes (typically 20 mL vials containing 12.5 mg/mL), which must be diluted before administration—there is no standard "dose per ampule" as the medication requires weight-based dosing and dilution. 1
Standard Ampule Preparation
- The FDA label specifies that dobutamine injection must be further diluted at the time of administration to at least a 50 mL solution using compatible IV solutions such as 5% Dextrose Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, or Lactated Ringer's Injection 1
- Common concentrations after dilution are 500 μg/mL, 1,000 μg/mL, 2,000 μg/mL, or up to 5,000 μg/mL (250 mg/50 mL) 1
- The diluted solution should be used within 24 hours of preparation 1
Weight-Based Dosing Algorithm
- Initial dose: Start at 2-3 μg/kg/min without a loading dose 2, 3
- Titration: Double the dose every 15 minutes based on clinical response and tolerability 2
- Therapeutic range: 2-20 μg/kg/min for most patients 2, 3, 1
- Maximum dose: Rarely, infusion rates up to 40 μg/kg/min may be required to obtain the desired effect 1
Special Dosing Considerations
- Patients on beta-blockers: May require doses up to 20 μg/kg/min to restore inotropic effect due to receptor blockade 2, 3
- Stress testing protocols: Dobutamine is administered in gradually increasing doses from 5-10 μg/kg/min up to 40-50 μg/kg/min in 3-5 minute stages 2