A positive inotropic cardiotonic agent with vasodilator properties. It inhibits cAMP phosphodiesterase activity in myocardium and vascular smooth muscle. Milrinone is a derivative of amrinone and has 20-30 times the ionotropic potency of amrinone. [PubChem] (en)
Milrinone inhibits erythrocyte phosphodiesterase, resulting in an increase in erythrocyte cAMP activity. Subsequently, the erythrocyte membrane becomes more resistant to deformity. Along with erythrocyte activity, Milrinone also decreases blood viscosity by reducing plasma fibrinogen concentrations and increasing fibrinolytic activity. (en)
* 0.13 L/kg/hr [congestive heart failure patients, following IV injections of 12.5 mcg/kg to 125 mcg/kg] * 0.14 L/kg/hr [congestive heart failure patients, following infusions of 0.2 mcg/kg/min to 0.7 mcg/kg/min] (en)