| name | Fenoldopam |
| Classification | Peripheral Dopamine-1 Agonist |
| Pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 5 minutes. | | distribution | Distributed throughout the body, with significant metabolism in the liver. | | metabolism | Metabolized primarily by the liver into inactive metabolites. Renal excretion is minimal. | | elimination | Elimination half-life is short, typically around 10 minutes, allowing for precise blood pressure control. |
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| suggested dosage | | note | Dosage must be individualized based on patient's blood pressure response. Fenoldopam is typically administered intravenously. | | range | Starting dose range is typically 0.01-0.2 mcg/kg/min, titrated to effect. | | special considerations | Close monitoring of blood pressure is essential and frequent adjustments to dosage may be needed. | | weight adjusted dosage | Fenoldopam dosage is weight-adjusted and must be calculated meticulously by medical professionals, taking into account individual patient physiology. | | example | For a 70kg patient, the starting dosage would range from 0.07-1.4 mcg/min (approximately 0.01-0.2 mcg/kg/min). |
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| indications | Fenoldopam is primarily used for the short-term management of severe hypertension requiring rapid blood pressure reduction, e.g., hypertensive emergencies. |
| Safety in pregnancy | Limited data are available. The drug should be used only when clearly needed and potential risks to the mother and fetus are carefully considered and weighed. This must be discussed by the treating physician. |
| Safety in breastfeeding | Fenoldopam is present in breast milk. The potential risks and benefits to the infant need to be evaluated carefully before prescribing. This should be discussed with the prescribing doctor. |
| side effects | | 1 | Headache | | 2 | Tachycardia | | 3 | Flushing | | 4 | Hypotension (especially with rapid dose reductions) | | 5 | Nausea | | 6 | Vomiting | | 7 | Palpitations | | 8 | Anxiety | | 9 | Dyspnea | | 10 | Chest pain | | 11 | Arrhythmias |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Severe aortic stenosis | | 2 | Hypersensitivity to fenoldopam or its components. | | 3 | Significant coronary artery disease, especially uncompensated heart failure |
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| interactions | | 1 | Concomitant use with other antihypertensive medications may potentiate blood pressure reduction, and thus require careful monitoring and dosage adjustment. | | 2 | Use with drugs affecting cardiac output (e.g., certain beta-blockers) should be approached with caution. |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Rapid decreases in blood pressure can precipitate acute myocardial ischemia or stroke. Continuous blood pressure monitoring is essential. | | 2 | Closely monitor patients for signs of hypotension, especially during the initial period of therapy | | 3 | Patients with pre-existing cardiac disease may be at higher risk. Individualize treatment. | | 4 | Careful assessment of the need for and appropriateness of the drug is important prior to administration and the potential for cardiovascular events should be monitored during administration. |
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| additional informations | | 1 | Fenoldopam is a potent vasodilator, primarily acting on vascular smooth muscles. It has a very short duration of action | | 2 | Rapid IV administration should be avoided to minimize the risk of adverse effects. | | 3 | Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. |
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| patient specific notes | | age | 25 | | weight | 70 | | vital signs | Vital signs (including blood pressure) should be carefully monitored. |
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