fenoldopam

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

fenoldopam is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called dopamine agonists. It works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the body, specifically the D1-like receptors in the renal, mesenteric, and coronary vessels. This leads to vasodilation of these blood vessels, which in turn can help to lower blood pressure. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency undefined: 

Angina 

Dizziness 

Flushing 

Hypotension 

Myocardial infarction 

Tachycardia 

Nausea 

Vomiting 

Increased serum creatinine

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

It is essential to follow the dosage and administration instructions for fenoldopam carefully.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

fenoldopam should not be used in people hypersensitive to the drug itself. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Limited data is available regarding the use of febuxostat in pregnant women. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the presence of drugs in human breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

fenoldopam is highly selective for D1 receptors, which are found in renal, mesenteric, and coronary vessels. D1 receptor stimulation by fenoldopam leads to renal vasodilation, which leads to an increase in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, which, in turn, improves renal function in patients with renal impairment. 

fenoldopam has been shown to be an effective antihypertensive medication in clinical trials. It has been shown to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension and to improve renal function in patients with renal impairment. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The main mechanism of action of fenoldopam is as a selective dopamine D1 receptor agonist. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. When fenoldopam binds to the dopamine D1 receptors in the kidneys, it causes an increase in the activity of the enzyme renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). It leads to increased blood flow and decreased sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. This, in turn, results in a decrease in blood pressure.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

fenoldopam is administered intravenously (IV) and has a rapid onset of action, typically within minutes of administration. It has a relatively short half-life of about 5 minutes. The volume of distribution is 0.6 L/kg 

Absorption 

After being administered, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. The peak concentration of the drug in the bloodstream typically occurs within 2 to 5 minutes. The absorption of fenoldopam is not affected by food. 

Distribution 

The volume of distribution of fenoldopam is 0.6L/kg 

Metabolism 

fenoldopam is metabolized in the liver to various sulfates, glucuronide, and methoxy metabolites. 

Elimination and excretion 

The drug is excreted in urine and feces in the ratio; 9:1. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

fenoldopam is administered through an intravenous route. It is used in the form of a diluted solution to be used within 24 hours

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: fenoldopam 

Pronounced: fe-NOL-doe-pam 

Why do we use fenoldopam? 

fenoldopam helps to treat severe or malignant hypertension.