Clinical effects of intravenous amrinone in patients with congestive heart failure

Hemodynamic effects of intravenous administration of amrinone include increases in dP/dt, cardiac output, and stroke work with decreases in left ventricular filling pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Unlike other injectable positive inotropic agents, it does not increase myocardial oxygen consumption, a distinct advantage in patients with coexisting ischemic disease. Amrinone does not have deleterious effects on atrioventricular conduction and appears to have little arrhythmogenic potential. Side effects of intravenous administration are generally minor but include a reversible thrombocytopenia. Additional studies conducted in short-term low-output states are needed to define more completely its role in the treatment of this condition.