• hypotension in the absence of hypovolemia
• often used with nitroprusside or nitroglycerine at higher doses

dosage

• low dose (1-2 mics/kg/min) is protective for kidneys and brain
• mid dose (2-10 mics/kg/min) increases cardiac output vasoconstriction high dose (10-20 mics/kg/min and above) effects similar to norepinephrine