- Fenoldopam injection contains sodium metabisulfite, that can cause severe anaphylactic reactions, more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people
- Fenoldopam causes dose-dependent increase in intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Discontinuation of drug returns IOP to normal, use cautiously in patients with glaucoma or intraocular hypertension
- Fenoldopam causes tachycardia at a dose above 0.1 mcg/kg/min in adults and >0.8 mcg/kg/min in pediatrics which persist atleast for 4 hrs in children and over some time in adult
- Symptomatic hypotension has been observed occasionally with fenoldopam, closely monitor blood pressure during the administration. Avoid systemic hypotension in patients who have sustained an acute cerebral infarction or hemorrhage
- Administer fenoldopam only in pediatric patients with indwelling intraarterial line
- Hypokalemia has been observed after less than 6 hours of fenoldopam infusion, monitor electrolyte levels at an interval of 6 hrs and treat hypokalemia with either oral or intravenous potassium supplementation
- Avoid concomitant use of fenoldopam with beta-blockers or use with great caution, as it can cause unexpected hypotension
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Glaucoma
- Intraocular hypertension
- Concomitant use of beta blockers
- Asthmatic patients
- Acute cerebral infarction or hemorrhage
Pregnancy Category:B
Breastfeeding: No data available on the use of fenoldopam during breastfeeding. As fenoldopa has poor oral bioavailability and short half-life it is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant. It is also given intravenously to infants. It does not decrease serum prolactin concentrations like dopamine, hence might not interfere with nursing. This information is based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 2 March 2011). As many drugs are excreted in human milk, manufacturer advises caution.
