Table 3

Vasoactive drugs utilized in treating sepsis-induced hypoperfusion

Drug

Dosage

Comments

Dobutamine

1–40 μg/kg per min

Strong inotropic effect may produce vasodilation; utilized as pure inotrope agent.

Causes tachycardia

Dopamine

1–20 μg/kg per min

Effects vary with dose. Predominantly vasoconstrictor with positive inotropy.

Causes tachycardia. Effects on renal vasculature are not protective against renal failure

Epinephrine

1–20 μg/min

Strong inotropic, chronotropic, and vasoconstrictor.

Concerns about ischemia and splanchnic circulation

Norepinephrine

0.03–1.5 μg/kg per min

Strong vasoconstrictor with modest effect on contractility. Does not produce tachycardia

Phenylephrine

0.5–8 μg/kg per min

Pure vasoconstrictor. No effect on contractility or heart rate

Vasopressin

0.01–0.04 U/min

Not recommended as first-line agent. Increases blood pressure; may cause splanchnic and cardiac ischemia

Zanotti Cavazzoni and Dellinger Critical Care 2006 10(Suppl 3):S2   doi:10.1186/cc4829