title: Acute positive inotropic intervention: the catecholamines.
abstract: The catecholamines remain a major therapeutic group in intensive cardiac care; this group of compounds evokes a positive inotropic response and vascular effects ranging from vasoconstriction to little net effect to vasodilatation. Hemodynamics and clinical guidelines now allow a proper selection of the optimal catecholamine. Additional mechanisms of action and a better understanding of the clinical application of this important drug group are continuing to unfold.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus 43210.
authors.forename: C V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Leier
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Binkley
mesh_terms: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004280:Dobutamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004298:Dopamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D002395:Catecholamines; D004280:Dobutamine; D004298:Dopamine