Table 2.
Effect of vasopressors on digestive system circulation.
| Agent | Receptors | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Dobutamine | Beta 1 | Increases cardiac output and blood flow to the mucosa |
| Dopamine | 1 a 4 mcg/kg/min: dopaminergic receptors 5 a 10 mcg/kg/min: beta 1 11 a 20 mcg/kg/min: alpha |
Increases cardiac output, redistributes flow to the serous |
| Norepinephrine | Alpha and beta 1 | Increases splanchnic flow (up to certain doses) |
| Epinephrine | Alpha | Decreases splanchnic flow |
| Vasopressin | Direct vascular receptors | Generates intestinal vasoconstriction |