Current literature questions the routine use of low-dose dopamine.

Dopamine use in acute renal failure (ARF) patients has been considered standard practice for many years. Despite this widely accepted practice, there has been limited evidence to support its usage. Low-dose dopamine has been accepted because it is considered to pose minimal risk to the patient. Dopamine infused at low doses is thought to be specific to dopaminergic receptors. However its results are often unpredictable and can lead to several alpha and beta induced side effects. With advances in technology there is another option that may be superior in the prevention and treatment of acute renal failure. Fenoldopam is a drug specific to dopamine-1 receptors in the kidneys. It is currently being examined to determine its usefulness among patients with ARF. With the discovery of fenoldopam and the known serious side effects of dopamine, there is reason to use caution with the routine use of low-dose dopamine.