Inotropes

Inotropes are a type of medication that alter the force or energy of muscular contractions. Negatively inotropic agents weaken the force of muscular contractions. Positively inotropic agents increase the strength of muscular contraction.

Types of Inotropes

Inotropes can be categorized into two main types:

• Positive inotropes: These medications increase the force of the heart's contractions, allowing it to pump more blood with each beat. They are often used in the treatment of heart failure and cardiogenic shock. Examples include Dobutamine and Digoxin.

• Negative inotropes: These medications decrease the force of the heart's contractions, reducing the amount of blood pumped with each beat. They are often used to treat conditions such as hypertension and angina. Examples include Beta blockers and Calcium channel blockers.

Uses of Inotropes

Inotropes are used in a variety of medical situations, including:

• Heart failure: Positive inotropes are often used to increase the force of the heart's contractions, helping it to pump more blood.

• Cardiogenic shock: In this life-threatening condition, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body. Positive inotropes can help increase the heart's pumping ability.

• Hypertension and angina: Negative inotropes can help reduce the force of the heart's contractions, reducing blood pressure and relieving angina symptoms.

Side Effects of Inotropes

Like all medications, inotropes can have side effects. These can include:

• Arrhythmias: Both positive and negative inotropes can cause irregular heart rhythms.

• Hypotension: This is a potential side effect of negative inotropes.

• Palpitations: This is a potential side effect of positive inotropes.

See Also

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Heart failure
• Cardiogenic shock
• Hypertension
• Angina

Inotropes Resources
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