Emergency and Critical Care

Dopamine Infusion Rate Calculator (µg/kg/min to mL/h)

Converts dopamine dose (µg/kg/min) to infusion rate (mL/h) with dose-based interpretation.

Primary source: Российские КР по сепсису и кардиогенному шоку. ESC 2023.

Aleksandr A. Aulov, MD, internal medicine Last clinical review: April 28, 2026

Online calculation

Patient weight

Body weight

Dopamine dose

Therapeutic range 3–20 µg/kg/min

µg/kg/min

Drug in solution

Standard: 200 mg (one 4% ampoule, 5 mL, or eight 0.5% ampoules, 5 mL)

Solution volume

Standard: 250 mL normal saline or 5% dextrose

About this score

Dopamine is a catecholamine with dose-dependent effects, historically widely used in shock and low cardiac output states. The calculator converts a dose in µg/kg/min into an infusion rate in mL/h based on patient weight and drug concentration.

Dose dependency: 1–3 µg/kg/min — predominant effect on dopaminergic receptors (the so-called "renal dose" — its effect on renal blood flow is now considered clinically insignificant); 3–10 µg/kg/min — β1-inotropic effect; > 10 µg/kg/min — α1-vasopressor effect. Current guidelines (Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021, ESC 2023) favor norepinephrine in septic shock and dobutamine in cardiogenic shock — dopamine monotherapy has become second-line. However, the drug remains in use for patients with bradycardia (the β1 effect is beneficial) and in select protocols.

Standard dilution: 200 mg (four 0.5% ampoules, 5 mL each) in 250 mL normal saline or 5% dextrose — concentration 800 µg/mL, convenient for calculation.

When to use

Cardiogenic shock with bradycardia — the β1 effect is beneficial.
Septic shock when norepinephrine is unavailable (per historical protocols and in resource-limited settings).
Symptomatic bradycardia — as an alternative to temporary pacing.
Hemodynamic support after cardiac surgery (at the discretion of the cardiac anesthesiologist).

Clinical example

Case

A 70 kg patient with cardiogenic shock after an anterior MI. Dopamine 5 µg/kg/min is prescribed. Prepared dilution: 200 mg in 250 mL.

Calculation

Concentration: 200×1000/250 = 800 µg/mL. Rate: 5×70×60/800 = 26.25 mL/h.

Interpretation and management

Therapeutic inotropic dose. Monitor heart rate, rhythm, and BP. If target BP is not reached within 10–15 minutes, increase the dose or switch to norepinephrine. In parallel, assess preload (CVP, IVC ultrasound) and evaluate for a mechanical cause (tamponade, rupture).

Limitations and cautions

In most cases of septic and vasoplegic shock, norepinephrine is preferred (higher survival, lower arrhythmia risk per meta-analyses).
High incidence of tachyarrhythmias — up to 24% at doses > 10 µg/kg/min.
The "renal dose" (1–3 µg/kg/min) is clinically useless — RCTs have shown no renoprotective effect.
Not for bolus administration — continuous infusion only.

Frequently asked questions

Dopamine or norepinephrine for septic shock?

Norepinephrine. Large RCTs (SOAP II, 2010) and meta-analyses have associated dopamine with higher mortality and arrhythmia risk. Current guidelines consistently rank norepinephrine first-line.

When is dopamine still preferred?

In shock with symptomatic bradycardia, where the β1 effect increases both heart rate and cardiac output. Also as a bridge until pacing is available.

Which dilution should be used?

Standard: 200 mg in 250 mL (concentration 800 µg/mL). For high doses, 400 mg in 250 mL (1600 µg/mL) reduces the infused volume.

Can it be given peripherally?

For no more than 6 hours and at a moderate concentration. At doses > 10 µg/kg/min, central access is required due to the high α-activity.

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Aleksandr A. Aulov Physician, internal medicine, Sechenov School — independent medical education platform. Calculators are compiled from the original publications and current clinical guidelines. Interpretation thresholds follow the source study unless stated otherwise.

This calculator is intended for healthcare professionals. Do not use it for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Management decisions are made by the treating clinician based on the full clinical picture of the individual patient.