Drug interactions
Dobutamine + Furosemide
Severity: Moderate
Dobutamine and Furosemide: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Dobutamine's beta-2 stimulation can shift potassium into cells, and with furosemide's urinary potassium loss this may produce hypokalemia in acutely ill cardiac patients. Low potassium increases arrhythmia risk, which is already a concern with inotropes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dobutamine and Furosemide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Dobutamine belongs to Cardiovascular; Furosemide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive lowering of serum potassium by renal loss (furosemide) and beta-2 mediated intracellular shift (dobutamine).
What to do
Monitor serum potassium and ECG during dobutamine infusion with diuretics, and replace potassium and magnesium to target normal levels.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Furosemide
- Amifostine + Furosemide Major
- Amikacin + Furosemide Major
- Carbenoxolone + Furosemide Major
- Cephaloridine + Furosemide Major
- Cisplatin + Furosemide Major
- Digoxin + Furosemide Major
Other interactions of Dobutamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dobutamine with Furosemide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dobutamine and Furosemide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Dobutamine's beta-2 stimulation can shift potassium into cells, and with furosemide's urinary potassium loss this may produce hypokalemia in acutely ill cardiac patients. Low potassium increases arrhythmia risk, which is already a concern with inotropes.
How serious is the interaction between Dobutamine and Furosemide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum potassium and ECG during dobutamine infusion with diuretics, and replace potassium and magnesium to target normal levels.
What other medicines interact with Furosemide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Furosemide with, for example, Amifostine, Amikacin, Carbenoxolone. The full list is on the Furosemide page.
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