Is dopamine a vasopressor?

As a neuroscientist with a focus on neurochemistry, I can tell you that dopamine is not typically classified as a vasopressor. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays several roles in the brain and body, including the regulation of mood, motivation, and reward, as well as the control of movement. In the context of cardiovascular function, dopamine can have both vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive effects, depending on the dosage and the specific receptors it interacts with.

At low doses, dopamine primarily acts on dopaminergic receptors in the kidneys, causing vasodilation and increasing urine output. At moderate doses, it stimulates beta-1 adrenergic receptors, which can lead to an increase in heart rate and, to a lesser extent, vasoconstriction. However, at high doses, dopamine can activate alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasoconstriction and an increase in blood pressure, which could be interpreted as a vasopressor effect.

It's important to note that dopamine is not used clinically as a vasopressor. Instead, medications like norepinephrine or phenylephrine are used for this purpose.

Dopamine, a sympathomimetic amine vasopressor, is the naturally occurring immediate precursor of norepinephrine. Dopamine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder, which may have a slight odor of hydrochloric acid. ... Dopamine HCl is sensitive to alkalies, iron salts, and oxidizing agents.