Core Profile & Mechanism Milrinone is a parenteral positive inotrope and vasodilator with selective phosphodiesterase III (PDE3) inhibitor activity. By preventing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) breakdown in cardiac and vascular muscle cells, it increases myocardial contractility, causes vasodilation, and improves diastolic relaxation (lusitropy). This dual action reduces preload, afterload, and systemic vascular resistance with little to no chronotropic activity. Therapeutic effects occur at plasma levels of 100 to 300 ng/mL.

Primary Indications Milrinone is used for the short-term treatment of acute heart failure and other low cardiac output states like cardiogenic shock or post-cardiac surgery low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). It can provide  ...