Dobutamine

Injection, Solution, Concentrate · Intravenous

Prescription (Rx) beta-Adrenergic Agonist In shortage 2 recalls

Current shortage

Dobutamine Hydrochloride, Injection, 250 mg/20 mL (NDC 70436-203-80) – Available (Hainan Poly Pharm. Co., Ltd., updated Sep 16, 2026)
Distributed by Slate Run Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 1-844-529-8988

Dobutamine Hydrochloride, Injection, 250 mg/20mL (12.5 mg/1 mL) (NDC 0409-2344-02) – Available (Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer Company, updated Sep 22, 2026)

Dobutamine Hydrochloride, Injection, 250 mg/20mL (12.5 mg/1 mL) (NDC 0409-2344-01) – Available (Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer Company, updated Sep 22, 2026)

Dobutamine Hydrochloride, Injection, 250 mg/20mL (12.5 mg/1 mL) (NDC 0409-2344-88) – Unavailable (Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer Company, updated Sep 22, 2026)
Next Delivery and Estimated Recovery: December 2027; Shortage per Manufacturer: Manufacturing Delay

Uses

Dobutamine Injection, USP is indicated when parenteral therapy is necessary for inotropic support in the short-term treatment of patients with cardiac decompensation due to depressed contractility resulting either from organic heart disease or from cardiac surgical procedures. Experience with intravenous dobutamine in controlled trials does not extend beyond 48 hours of repeated boluses and/or continuous infusions. Whether given orally, continuously intravenously, or intermittently intravenously, neither dobutamine nor any other cyclic-AMP-dependent inotrope has been shown in controlled trials to be safe or effective in the long-term treatment of congestive heart failure. In controlled trials of chronic oral therapy with various such agents, symptoms were not consistently alleviated, and the cyclic-AMP-dependent inotropes were consistently associated with increased risk of hospitalization and death. Patients with NYHA Class IV symptoms appeared to be at particular risk.

Dosage and administration

Note −Do not add dobutamine injection to 5% Sodium Bicarbonate Injection or to any other strongly alkaline solution. Because of potential physical incompatibilities, it is recommended that dobutamine injection not be mixed with other drugs in the same solution. Dobutamine injection should not be used in conjunction with other agents or diluents containing both sodium bisulfite and ethanol. Preparation and Stability − At the time of administration, dobutamine injection must be further diluted in an IV container to at least a 50-mL solution using one of the following intravenous solutions as a diluent: 5% Dextrose Injection, 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 10% Dextrose Injection, Isolyte® M with 5% Dextrose Injection, Lactated Ringer’s Injection, 5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringer’s Injection, Normosol®-M in D5-W, 20% Osmitrol® in Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, or Sodium Lactate Injection. Intravenous solution should be used within 24 hours. Recommended Dosage −Infusion of dobutamine should be started at a low rate (0.5-1.0 μg/kg/min) and titrated at intervals of a few minutes, guided by the patient’s response, including systemic blood pressure, urine flow, frequency of ectopic activity, heart rate, and (whenever possible) measurements of cardiac output, central venous pressure, and/or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. In reported trials, the optimal infusion rates have varied from patient to patient, usually 2-20 μg/kg/min but sometimes slightly outside of this range. On rare occasions, infusion rates up to 40 μg/kg/min have been required to obtain the desired effect. Rates of infusion (mL/h) for dobutamine injection concentrations of 500 μg/mL, 1,000 μg/mL, and 2,000 μg/mL necessary to attain various delivery rates of dobutamine (μg/kg/min) for patients of different weights are given in Table 1. Table 1 Dobutamine Injection Infusion Rate (mL/h) for 500 μg/mL concentration Drug Delivery Rate (μg/kg/min) Patient Body Weight (kg) 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 0.5 0.3 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.4 3 3.6 4.2 4.8 5.4 6 6.5 1 0.6 1.2 2.4 3.6 4.8 6 7.2 8.4 9.6 10.8 12 13.2 2.5 1.5 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 5 3 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 7.5 4.5 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90 99 10 6 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 12.5 7.5 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 15 9 18 36 54 72 90 108 126 144 162 180 198 17.5 10.5 21 42 63 84 105 126 147 168 189 210 231 20 12 24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192 216 240 264 Dobutamine Injection Infusion Rate (mL/h) for 1,000 μg/mL concentration Drug Delivery Rate (μg/kg/min) Patient Body Weight (kg) 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 3.3 1 0.3 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.4 3 3.6 4.2 4.8 5.4 6 6.6 2.5 0.7 1.5 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 5 1.5 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 7.5 2.2 4.5 9 13.5 18 22.5 27 31.5 36 40.5 45 49.5 10 3 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 12.5 3.7 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75 82.5 15 4.5 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90 99 17.5 5.2 10.5 21 31.5 42 52.5 63 73.5 84 94.5 105 115.5 20 6 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 Dobutamine Injection Infusion Rate (mL/h) for 2,000 μg/mL concentration Drug Delivery Rate (μg/kg/min) Patient Body Weight (kg) 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 0.5 0.07 0.1 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.7 0.9 1 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.6 1 0.1 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 3.3 2.5 0.4 0.7 1.5 2 3 4 4.5 5 6 7 7.5 8 5 0.7 1.5 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 7.5 1.1 2.2 4.5 7 9 11 13.5 16 18 20 22.5 25 10 1.5 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 12.5 1.9 3.7 7 11 15 19 22.5 26 30 34 37.5 41 15 2.2 4.5 9 13.5 18 22.5 27 31.5 36 40.5 45 49.5 Concentrations of up to 5,000 mcg/mL have been administered to humans (250 mg/50 mL). The final volume administered should be determined by the fluid requirements of the patient. Intravenous drug products should be inspected visually and should not be used if particulate matter or discoloration is present.

Contraindications

Dobutamine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis and in patients who have shown previous manifestations of hypersensitivity to Dobutamine Injection solution.

Warnings

Increase in Heart Rate or Blood Pressure Dobutamine hydrochloride may cause a marked increase in heart rate or blood pressure, especially systolic pressure. Approximately 10% of patients in clinical studies have had rate increases of 30 beats/minute or more, and about 7.5% have had a 50 mm Hg or greater increase in systolic pressure. Usually, reduction of dosage promptly reverses these effects. Because dobutamine hydrochloride facilitates atrioventricular conduction, patients with atrial fibrillation are at risk of developing rapid ventricular response. In patients who have atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, a digitalis preparation should be used prior to institution of therapy with Dobutamine Injection. Patients with pre-existing hypertension appear to face an increased risk of developing an exaggerated pressor response. Ectopic Activity Dobutamine hydrochloride may precipitate or exacerbate ventricular ectopic activity, but it rarely has caused ventricular tachycardia. Hypersensitivity Reactions suggestive of hypersensitivity associated with administration of Dobutamine Injection, including skin rash, fever, eosinophilia, and bronchospasm, have been reported occasionally. Dobutamine 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.

Precautions

General During the administration of Dobutamine Injection, as with any adrenergic agent, ECG and blood pressure should be continuously monitored. In addition, pulmonary wedge pressure and cardiac output should be monitored whenever possible to aid in the safe and effective infusion of dobutamine hydrochloride. Hypovolemia should be corrected with suitable volume expanders before treatment with dobutamine hydrochloride is instituted. No improvement may be observed in the presence of marked mechanical obstruction, such as severe valvular aortic stenosis. Usage Following Acute Myocardial Infarction Clinical experience with dobutamine hydrochloride following myocardial infarction has been insufficient to establish the safety of the drug for this use. There is concern that any agent that increases contractile force and heart rate may increase the size of an infarction by intensifying ischemia, but it is not known whether dobutamine hydrochloride does so. Laboratory Tests Dobutamine, like other β 2 -agonists, can produce a mild reduction in serum potassium concentration, rarely to hypokalemic levels. Accordingly, consideration should be given to monitoring serum potassium. Drug Interactions Animal studies indicate that dobutamine may be ineffective if the patient has recently received a β-blocking drug. In such a case, the peripheral vascular resistance may increase. Preliminary studies indicate that the concomitant use of dobutamine and nitroprusside results in a higher cardiac output and, usually, a lower pulmonary wedge pressure than when either drug is used alone. There was no evidence of drug interactions in clinical studies in which dobutamine was administered concurrently with other drugs, including digitalis preparations, furosemide, spironolactone, lidocaine, nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, morphine, atropine, heparin, protamine, potassium chloride, folic acid, and acetaminophen. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Studies to evaluate the carcinogenic or mutagenic potential of dobutamine hydrochloride, or its potential to affect fertility, have not been conducted. Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects −Reproduction studies performed in rats at doses up to the normal human dose (10 mcg/kg/min for 24 h, total daily dose of 14.4 mg/kg), and in rabbits at doses up to twice the normal human dose, have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to dobutamine hydrochloride. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Labor and Delivery The effect of dobutamine hydrochloride on labor and delivery is unknown. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when dobutamine hydrochloride is administered to a nursing woman. If a mother requires dobutamine hydrochloride treatment, breastfeeding should be discontinued for the duration of treatment. Pediatric Use Dobutamine has been shown to increase cardiac output and systemic pressure in pediatric patients of every age group. In premature neonates, however, dobutamine is less effective than dopamine in raising systemic blood pressure without causing undue tachycardia, and dobutamine has not been shown to provide any added benefit when given to such infants already receiving optimal infusion of dopamine. Geriatric Use Of the 1893 patients in clinical studies who were treated with dobutamine, 930 (49.1%) were 65 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these and younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or drug therapy.

Side effects

Increased Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Ventricular Ectopic Activity − A 10 to 20 mm increase in systolic blood pressure and an increase in heart rate of 5 to 15 beats/minute have been noted in most patients (see WARNINGS regarding exaggerated chronotropic and pressor effects). Approximately 5% of patients have had increased premature ventricular beats during infusions. These effects are dose related. Hypotension − Precipitous decreases in blood pressure have occasionally been described in association with dobutamine therapy. Decreasing the dose or discontinuing the infusion typically results in rapid return of blood pressure to baseline values. In rare cases, however, intervention may be required and reversibility may not be immediate. Reactions at Sites of Intravenous Infusion − Phlebitis has occasionally been reported. Local inflammatory changes have been described following inadvertent infiltration. Isolated cases of cutaneous necrosis (destruction of skin tissue) have been reported. Miscellaneous Uncommon Effects − The following adverse effects have been reported in 1% to 3% of patients: nausea, headache, anginal pain, nonspecific chest pain, palpitations and shortness of breath. Isolated cases of thrombocytopenia have been reported. Administration of dobutamine hydrochloride, like other catecholamines, can produce a mild reduction in serum potassium concentration, rarely to hypokalemic levels (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Drug interactions

Drug Interactions Animal studies indicate that dobutamine may be ineffective if the patient has recently received a β-blocking drug. In such a case, the peripheral vascular resistance may increase. Preliminary studies indicate that the concomitant use of dobutamine and nitroprusside results in a higher cardiac output and, usually, a lower pulmonary wedge pressure than when either drug is used alone. There was no evidence of drug interactions in clinical studies in which dobutamine was administered concurrently with other drugs, including digitalis preparations, furosemide, spironolactone, lidocaine, nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, morphine, atropine, heparin, protamine, potassium chloride, folic acid, and acetaminophen.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects −Reproduction studies performed in rats at doses up to the normal human dose (10 mcg/kg/min for 24 h, total daily dose of 14.4 mg/kg), and in rabbits at doses up to twice the normal human dose, have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to dobutamine hydrochloride. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Pediatric use

Pediatric Use Dobutamine has been shown to increase cardiac output and systemic pressure in pediatric patients of every age group. In premature neonates, however, dobutamine is less effective than dopamine in raising systemic blood pressure without causing undue tachycardia, and dobutamine has not been shown to provide any added benefit when given to such infants already receiving optimal infusion of dopamine.

Geriatric use

Geriatric Use Of the 1893 patients in clinical studies who were treated with dobutamine, 930 (49.1%) were 65 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these and younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or drug therapy.

Overdosage

Overdoses of dobutamine have been reported rarely. The following is provided to serve as a guide if such an overdose is encountered. Signs and Symptoms − Toxicity from dobutamine is usually due to excessive cardiac β-receptor stimulation. The duration of action of dobutamine is generally short (T 1/2 = 2 minutes) because it is rapidly metabolized by catechol-O-methyltransferase. The symptoms of toxicity may include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, tremor, anxiety, palpitations, headache, shortness of breath, and anginal and nonspecific chest pain. The positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of dobutamine on the myocardium may cause hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and ventricular fibrillation. Hypotension may result from vasodilation. Treatment − To obtain up-to-date information about the treatment of overdose, a good resource is your certified Regional Poison Control Center. Telephone numbers of certified poison control centers are listed in the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) . In managing overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple drug overdoses, interaction among drugs, and unusual drug kinetics in your patient. The initial actions to be taken in a dobutamine overdose are discontinuing administration, establishing an airway, and ensuring oxygenation and ventilation. Resuscitative measures should be initiated promptly. Severe ventricular tachyarrhythmias may be successfully treated with propranolol or lidocaine. Hypertension usually responds to a reduction in dose or discontinuation of therapy. Protect the patient's airway and support ventilation and perfusion. If needed, meticulously monitor and maintain, within acceptable limits, the patient's vital signs, blood gases, serum electrolytes, etc. If the product is ingested, unpredictable absorption may occur from the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract. Absorption of drugs from the gastrointestinal tract may be decreased by giving activated charcoal, which, in many cases, is more effective than emesis or lavage; consider charcoal instead of or in addition to gastric emptying. Repeated doses of charcoal over time may hasten elimination of some drugs that have been absorbed. Safeguard the patient's airway when employing gastric emptying or charcoal. Forced diuresis, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, or charcoal hemo-perfusion have not been established as beneficial for an overdose of dobutamine.

Description

Dobutamine Injection, USP is a clear, practically colorless, sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of dobutamine hydrochloride for intravenous use only. Each milliliter contains 12.5 mg (41.5 µmol) dobutamine, as the hydrochloride and sodium metabisulfite, 0.2 mg added as antioxidant. May contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. pH is 3.3 (2.5 to 5.0). Dobutamine Hydrochloride, USP is chemically designated (±)-4-[2-[[3-(ρ-hydroxyphenyl)-1- methylpropyl] amino]ethyl]-pyrocatechol hydrochloride. It is a synthetic catecholamine. Molecular Weight: 337.85 Molecular Formula: C 18 H 23 NO 3
• HCl dubutamine 1

How supplied

Dobutamine Injection, USP is supplied in 20 mL single-dose glass vials containing 250 mg dobutamine, respectively, as the hydrochloride as follows: Unit of Sale Concentration NDC 70436-203-80 Carton containing 1 Vial 250 mg/20 mL (12.5 mg/mL) NDC 70436-203-82 Carton containing 10 Vials 250 mg/20 mL (12.5 mg/mL) Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Discard unused portion. Manufactured by: Hainan Poly Pharm. Co., Ltd., Guilinyang Economic Development Zone, Haikou, Hainan, 571127, China Distributed by: Slate Run Pharmaceuticals, LLC., Columbus, Ohio 43215 10000396/01 Revised: 02/2023

Label text from the FDA structured product label by Slate Run Pharmaceuticals (revised Jan 26, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.

Active ingredients

Dobutamine Hydrochloride in 4 products

Dobutamine NDC products (4)

NDC	Strength & form	Labeler	Type
51662-1337	Dobutamine Hydrochloride 12.5 mg/mL Injection, Solution, Concentrate	HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst	ANDA
0143-9141	Dobutamine Hydrochloride 12.5 mg/mL Injection, Solution	Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.	ANDA
0409-2344	Dobutamine Hydrochloride 12.5 mg/mL Injection, Solution, Concentrate	Hospira, Inc.	ANDA
70436-203	Dobutamine Hydrochloride 250 mg/20mL Injection	Slate Run Pharmaceuticals	ANDA

Dobutamine recalls

D-0489-2025 Jul 2, 2025 · Class II · Ongoing
Discoloration; discolored solution from cracked vials
D-1540-2014 Aug 27, 2014 · Class I · Terminated
Presence of Particulate Matter: Discolored solution due to a chip in the glass at the neck of the vial, also glass particulate was found within the solution.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dobutamine used for?

What are the side effects of Dobutamine?

Who makes Dobutamine?

Dobutamine is listed by 4 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst, Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., Hospira, Inc., Slate Run Pharmaceuticals.

Has Dobutamine been recalled?

The FDA enforcement database lists 2 recalls for Dobutamine, most recently D-0489-2025 (class ii): Discoloration; discolored solution from cracked vials