Milrinone is an inotropic medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved on 31 Dec 1987, for treating congestive heart failure (CHF).

Milrinone helps to treat severe congestive heart failure, a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is suddenly compromised. It is often used when other treatments are ineffective, such as when the patient doesn't respond well to diuretics or other medications.

Milrinone can be administered only as an intravenous injection into a vein by your physician in a hospital setting. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. 

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Milrinone are headache, and low blood pressure (feeling dizzy). Some serious side effects also include allergic reactions (swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat), increased or fast heartbeats, feeling lightheaded, faint, or shortness of breath.

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Individuals with certain heart conditions such as valve narrowing, thickening, blockage, low blood pressure, kidney problems, or a history of arrhythmias should use Milrinone with caution. If you have experienced heart problems as a result of taking water tablets (diuretics) in the past, it's important to inform your physician about all your medical conditions and medications before starting the treatment.

Milrinone can have an effect on your blood pressure and heart rate, and doctors must verify that these vital signs are safe. Blood pressure and pulse rate should be checked regularly. Tracking this parameter provides information about how your body reacts to the medicine. In case your blood potassium levels are low, your doctor may want to closely monitor you during treatment. They may perform blood tests to determine your potassium levels. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant,, report to your doctor before starting the treatment with this drug. 

If you have lost significant body fluids and are severely dehydrated, you should not receive milrinone. Dehydration can impact the body's ability to process medications and can lead to further complications. Therefore, if you are severely dehydrated, it's important not to receive this drug until your fluid and electrolyte levels have been adequately restored.

1. Wockhardt UK Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on April 2022] [ Accessed on 30th August 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2625.pdf
2. Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jan 2003] [ Accessed on 30th August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/019436s021s022lbl.pdf
3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Pharmacotherapy of congestive heart failure, 12th edition, 2011, 805.
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Cardiac glycosides and drugs for heart failure, 7th edition, 2013, 519,525.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.