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