Milrinone is used to treat congestive heart failure; a condition characterized by venous stasis and reduced blood flow from the left ventricle causing symptoms such as asthenia, dyspnea, edema and abdominal discomfort. Due to the toxic effects that this may have, this drug is usually not administered for more than 48 hours.
What is Milrinone?
Milrinone is a drug with an action that is based on the inhibition of the enzyme phosphodiesterase III: its action results in increased intracellular levels of cyclic AMP as well as calcium and myocardial contractility.
How should Milrinone be taken?
Milrinone can be taken orally or by intravenous or intramuscular injection.
Side effects associated with Milrinone
The more common recognized adverse effects associated with Milrinone include mainly hypokalemia, tremors and thrombocytopenia.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Milrinone
Treatment with Milrinone is not recommended in patients with severe obstruction of the arteries, problems with the heart valves or people who have recently been victims of a heart attack. Special attention in the administration of this drug should be paid in the case of patients with impaired liver or renal function. There are no studies to date that have established safety and efficacy of this drug in children and therefore it is not recommended for use in pediatric patients. Moreover, its use must also be avoided in pregnant women and lactating mothers.
