Vasopressors and Nutrition Therapy: Safe Dose for the Outset of Enteral Nutrition?

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