title: Positive inotropic/vasodilator agents.
abstract: Beta-adrenergic sympathomimetic agents such as dobutamine and dopamine, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as amrinone, milrinone, and enoxamone, exert a direct positive inotropic effect upon the myocardium by causing an increase in cyclic AMP levels. The phosphodiesterase inhibitors also exert a substantial direct vasodilator effect. Both the sympathomimetic agents and the phosphodiesterase inhibitors can be of value in the acute, short-term management of myocardial failure. At present, the use of these agents for long-term therapy of congestive heart failure is unproven, and remains investigational.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Colucci
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors