title: Amrinone: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
abstract: Amrinone is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase fraction 3 in both cardiac and smooth muscle. Intravenous administration in humans produces increased contractility and vasodilation of venous capacitance and arterial conductance vessels. The elimination half-life in healthy patients is reported to be 2.6 to 4.1 hours, making it the only long-acting positive inotropic agent available that can be administered either as an intravenous bolus or by infusion. A low incidence of side effects, often minor, has been reported with intravenous use. Thrombocytopenia does not seem to be a problem with short-term use. Amrinone represents a new approach in the pharmacologic therapy for ventricular dysfunction following cardiac surgery.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA 30322.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bailey
mesh_terms: D000676:Amrinone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D000676:Amrinone