Enoximone

Enoximone

Enoximone is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used in the management of heart failure. It is a positive inotrope and vasodilator, which means it increases the force of heart muscle contraction and dilates blood vessels, respectively. Enoximone is typically administered intravenously in a hospital setting.

Mechanism of Action

Enoximone works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase III (PDE3), which leads to an increase in intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. Elevated cAMP enhances calcium influx into cardiac cells, thereby increasing myocardial contractility. Additionally, increased cAMP in vascular smooth muscle cells causes vasodilation, reducing the workload on the heart.

Clinical Use

Enoximone is primarily used in the short-term treatment of severe heart failure, particularly in cases where other treatments have failed or are not suitable. It is often used in acute settings, such as during cardiac surgery or in patients with decompensated heart failure.

Side Effects

Common side effects of enoximone include:

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Headache
• Nausea

Contraindications

Enoximone should not be used in patients with:

• Severe aortic stenosis
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Known hypersensitivity to enoximone or any of its components

Pharmacokinetics

Enoximone is metabolized in the liver and has a half-life of approximately 5 to 10 hours. It is primarily excreted by the kidneys.

History

Enoximone was developed in the 1980s and has been used in various countries for the treatment of heart failure. It is marketed under the trade name Perfan.

Research

Research into enoximone has focused on its use in acute heart failure and its potential benefits in combination with other heart failure therapies. Studies have examined its effects on hemodynamics and patient outcomes in critical care settings.

Also see

• Heart failure
• Phosphodiesterase inhibitors
• Inotropic agents
• Vasodilators

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