Effects of ibopamine on peripheral hemodynamics: a strain gauge plethysmographic study in patients with congestive heart failure.

Peripheral hemodynamics were studied using strain gauge plethysmography in patients with congestive heart failure after administration of ibopamine (SB-7505), the orally active 3,4-diisobutyryl ester of N-methyldopamine, a dopaminergic agonist, and of sulpiride, a specific dopaminergic antagonist. 50 mg of sulpiride were administered parenterally in 12 patients 3 h after a single oral dose of 150 mg of ibopamine. Ibopamine increased significantly resting arterial blood flow and venous capacity and decreased peripheral resistance. Sulpiride was found to significantly counteract the activity of ibopamine.