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.

Prescription:

Prescription-only.

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).