Description:

Dobutamin Injection IP 250mg/5ml (brand DOBYUMIN by Questus) is a sterile, concentrated solution of dobutamine hydrochloride used as a positive inotropic agent. It is indicated for the short-term treatment of cardiac decompensation due to depressed myocardial contractility, including low-output heart failure, cardiogenic shock, septic shock (after adequate fluid resuscitation), and post-cardiac surgery low-output states. It increases cardiac output by enhancing myocardial contractility and stroke volume with relatively little effect on heart rate or peripheral vascular resistance at therapeutic doses. In Ghana (Accra), it is a prescription injectable commonly used in hospitals, intensive care units, and emergency departments for acute heart failure and shock.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; administered only by healthcare professionals via continuous IV infusion in hospitals/clinics with cardiac monitoring; never self-administer; not OTC due to hemodynamic effects, arrhythmias risk, and need for close monitoring).

Therapeutic Category:

Positive Inotropic Agent / Sympathomimetic (Cardiac stimulant).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Dobutamine hydrochloride – 250 mg per 5 ml (50 mg/ml). Other ingredients: Water for injection (solvent), sodium metabisulfite or sodium bisulfide (antioxidant/preservative in some formulations), hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment to 2.5–5.5). The solution is clear, colourless to pale yellow, sterile, and ready-to-dilute for infusion.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• DOBYUMIN 250mg/5ml Injection (standard 5 ml ampoule with 50 mg/ml concentration). Related variants: Dobutamine 250mg/20ml or 500mg/250ml (lower concentration pre-diluted forms), or other brands (e.g., Dobutrex original). The 250mg/5ml concentrate is the most common form requiring dilution.

Consume Type:

Injectable – Intravenous (IV) infusion only (must be diluted in compatible IV fluid before use; administered only by healthcare professionals via infusion pump; never give as bolus or undiluted).

Directions/Usage: Administered only in hospital/clinic with continuous hemodynamic monitoring (ECG, blood pressure, cardiac output if available).

• Adults: Dilute before use (e.g., 250 mg in 250–500 ml 5% dextrose or 0.9% NaCl to 0.5–1 mg/ml).
• Starting infusion rate: 2.5–5 µg/kg/min, titrated every 5–10 minutes up to 20 µg/kg/min (max usually 20 µg/kg/min) based on response.
• Typical maintenance: 5–15 µg/kg/min.
• Children: Weight-based (2–20 µg/kg/min, titrated).
• Infuse via central line preferred (peripheral OK at lower concentrations with monitoring).
• Duration: Short-term (usually hours to days); wean gradually.
• Monitor heart rate, BP, urine output, and signs of ischemia.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
• Arrhythmias (supraventricular or ventricular)
• Hypertension or hypotension
• Angina/chest pain
• Nausea, headache
• Tremor, anxiety Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Myocardial ischemia, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, tachyarrhythmias, hypotension (if overdosed), or extravasation (tissue necrosis – treat with phentolamine).

Package Type:

Glass ampoules of 5 ml (each containing 250 mg dobutamine hydrochloride; packs of 5 or 10 ampoules; labelled carton with dilution instructions and warnings).

Storage Advice: Store unopened ampoules at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted/diluted solution: Use immediately or store refrigerated (2–8°C) for up to 24 hours (check label). Discard unused portions.

Safety Advice:

• Administered only under medical supervision with continuous monitoring (ECG, BP, heart rate – risk of arrhythmias and ischemia).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to dobutamine, pheochromocytoma, or idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS).
• Caution in acute myocardial infarction (may increase myocardial oxygen demand), atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, or hypovolemia (correct volume first).
• Use infusion pump and central line preferred to avoid extravasation (tissue necrosis risk).
• If extravasation occurs, stop infusion and treat with phentolamine infiltration.
• Monitor for tachyarrhythmias or ischemia (stop or reduce dose if occurs).
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar dobutamine injections in Ghana include:

• Generic dobutamine 250mg/5ml or 250mg/20ml injection (various importers).
• Dobutrex (original Lilly brand if stocked).
• Other brands like Dobuject or local generics. Alternatives: Dopamine injection, milrinone, levosimendan, or noradrenaline (for cardiogenic shock). Consult cardiologist/intensivist in Accra (e.g., Korle Bu Hospital) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Questus Pharmaceuticals or similar (often Indian manufacturers like Neon Laboratories, Samarth Life Sciences, or local Ghanaian partners produce generics under brands like DOBYUMIN). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported generic).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by Indian pharmaceutical companies; imported to Ghana and available in local pharmacies/hospitals).