Dobutamine

Stereoisomers

Two molecular structures are shown:

(+) stereoisomer (blue structure)
(–) stereoisomer (red structure)

These represent the two enantiomers (mirror-image stereoisomers) of Dobutamine.

(+) stereoisomer

Alpha-1: High affinity, acts as a competitive alpha-antagonist
Beta-1: Potent full agonist
Beta-2: Low potency full agonist

(-) stereo isomer

Alpha-1: High affinity and potent partial agonist
Beta-1: Full agonist with very low potency
Beta-2: Minimal effect

Pharmacokinetic

Absorption: When administered intravenously, dobutamine begins to take effect in 1 to 2 minutes. However, the maximum effect of an infusion may take up to 10 minutes to be reached.

Distribution: The plasma half-life of dobutamine is approximately 2 minutes.

Metabolism: Dobutamine is primarily metabolized through catechol methylation and conjugation.

Excretion: The main byproducts excreted in human urine are the conjugates of dobutamine and 3-O-methyl dobutamine.