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Pharmacy- Drug Information  

Drugs That Increase the Strength of the Heart
(Inotropes)

The Generic (common) Name of the drug is listed first, followed by a specific Product (brand) Name, which is an example of that generic drug. To learn more about an individual drug, click on its Generic Name or Product Name.

 
Examples:
 
Generic Name Marketer Example Product Name
Dobutamine Eli Lilly & Co. Dobutrex
Dopamine AstraZeneca Dopamine
Norepinephrine
---
 Norepinephrine
Digoxin Glaxo Wellcome Inc. Lanoxin
Milrinone Sanofi-Synthelabo Primacor


 
What is an inotrope drug?
These drugs make the heart beat stronger. They are very powerful and are used only with careful attention.

 
Why is it given?
The doctor determines that the patient's heart is weakened. These drugs improve the strength of the heart and help it pump more blood.

 
How long is it used?
Sometimes patients only need to take this type of drug for a short time (days). Under different circumstances, it may be prescribed for the rest of the patient's life. This is particularly true for drugs such as digoxin.

 
Does it have side effects?
Side effects do occur. Some are minor and some are potentially serious. Several of these drugs (dobutamine, dopamine, and norepinephrine) may make the heart beat faster and occasionally irregularly. Digoxin may cause headache, nausea and eyesight changes.
 


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