A Review of Inotropes and Inopressors for Effective Utilization in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2021 Sep 1;78(3):336-345. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000001078.

Abstract

Inotropes and inopressors are often first-line treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock. We summarize the pharmacology, indications, and contraindications of dobutamine, milrinone, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and levosimendan. We also review the data on the use of these medications for acute decompensated heart failure and cardiogenic shock in this article.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiotonic Agents / adverse effects
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Contraindications, Drug
  • Heart Failure / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Contraction / drug effects*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / diagnosis
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / drug therapy*
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents / adverse effects
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents