Dobutamine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 7, 2025.

Applies to dobutamine: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of dobutamine

Along with its needed effects, dobutamine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dobutamine:

More common side effects

• dizziness
• headache
• increased heart rate
• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
• weakness

Less common side effects

• chest pain
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• trouble breathing

Incidence not known

• back, tarry stools
• bluish color
• blurred vision
• changes in skin color
• chest discomfort or tightness
• chills
• confusion
• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• painful or difficult urination
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• sweating
• swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
• swollen glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• weight gain

Other side effects of dobutamine

Some side effects of dobutamine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• nausea

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dobutamine: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reaction was heart rate increased by 30 beats per minute or more.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Heart rate increased by 30 beats per minute (bpm) or more (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Systolic blood pressure increased by 50 mmHg or more, premature ventricular beats increased, anginal pain, palpitations, blood pressure decreased, ventricular dysrhythmia, dose-dependent ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular frequency increased in patients with atrial fibrillation, vasoconstriction in patients previously treated with beta blockers, supraventricular extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ventricular fibrillation
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Bradycardia, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, second degree atrioventricular block, coronary vasospasms, hypertensive/hypotensive blood pressure decompensation, intracavitary pressure gradients
• Frequency not reported: Systolic blood pressure increased by 10 to 20 mmHg, heart rate increased by 5 to 15 bpm, blood pressure decreased precipitously, pulmonary capillary pressure decreased, pectoral anginal discomfort, stress cardiomyopathy, eosinophilic myocarditis, fatal cardiac rupture^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Exanthema, skin rash
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Petechial bleeding
• Frequency not reported: Pruritus of the scalp^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Phlebitis, inflammation
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cutaneous necrosis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Eosinophilia, thrombocyte aggregation inhibited when continuing infusion over a number of days
• Frequency not reported: Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Nonspecific chest pain, fever
• Frequency not reported: Feeling of heat and anxiety^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Shortness of breath, bronchospasm^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Paresthesia, tremor^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urgency increased at high doses of infusion
• Frequency not reported: Urinary urgency^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hypokalemia
• Frequency not reported: Serum potassium decreased^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Myoclonic spasm^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Restlessness, anxiety^[Ref]

Further information

Dobutamine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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