[Positive inotropic effects of doxaminol in congestive heart failure]

The hemodynamic effects of doxaminol, a new, orally applicable beta-agonist, chemically dissimilar to catecholamines, were studied in comparison to those of dobutamine by means of thermodilution. After single-dose application of doxaminol in cases of congestive heart failure, cardiac output and stroke volume increased, heart rate increased slightly, pulmonary and systemic arterial pressure remained constant, and peripheral vascular resistance decreased. No arrhythmias appeared, but one patient suffered an attack of angina.