Recall that dopamine is an endogenous catecholamine that is a precursor for norepinephrine synthesis
Despite the popularity of norepinephrine, dopamine is still used by many EPs in the setting of septic shock
Dopamine produces progressive alpha-receptor stimulation at doses > 10 mcg/kg/min
Tachyarrhythmias (namely sinus tachycardia) is the predominant adverse effect
When selecting a vasopressor agent, be sure to check the HR. If the patient is already tachycardic, the addition of dopamine will only worsen the tachycardia
Additional important adverse effects are increased intraocular pressure and delayed gastric emptying
References
Marino PL. Hemodynamic drugs. In: The Little ICU Book of Facts and Formulas. 2009 Ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA.
