Figure 1 Schedule used in the case of hypotension, showing consecutive steps of treatment. *In term neonates with asphyxia, congenital heart disease, or other illnesses characterised by diminished myocardial contractility, dobutamine is the drug of choice to treat hypotension. Dopamine is used if dobutamine fails. In all other infants, dopamine is given before dobutamine. †In term neonates, noradrenaline (norepinephrine; 0.1–1.0 μg/kg/min) is used before hydrocortisone in the case of persistent hypotension.