title: Pharmacologic management of heart failure: positive inotropic agents.
abstract: The use of positive inotropic agents in the acute and chronic treatment of heart failure is associated with a variety of hemodynamic effects. The beneficial effects of these agents, however, are not without associated adverse effects. An increase in cardiac output is achieved through diverse pharmacologic mechanisms of action depending on the specific inotropic agent. Digitalis glycosides, beta-adrenergic agonists, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors are described.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Cross
mesh_terms: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents