Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds" Generic Name Dobutamine Trade Name Dobutrex Indication Short term management of heart failure Action Dobutamine has a positive inotropic effect (increases cardiac output) with very little effect on heart rate. Stimulates Beta1 receptors in the heart. Therapeutic Class Inotropic Pharmacologic Class Beta-adrenergic agonist Nursing Considerations • Monitor hemodynamics: hypertension, ↑HR, PVCs • Skin reactions may occur with hypersensitivity • Beta blockers may negate therapeutic effects of dobutamine • Monitor cardiac output • Monitor peripheral pulses before, during, and after therapy • DO NOT confuse dobutamine with dopamine