What Are Inotropes?

Inotropes are a group of medications used to improve the heart's ability to pump blood throughout the body. The medications cause the heart to squeeze tighter to send more oxygenated blood to the body's organs and tissues. They are often used in hospital settings to support the cardiovascular condition of people who have congestive heart failure, shock, and after surgery.

This article will discuss the different kinds of inotropes and their side effects.

Types of Inotropic Drugs and How They Work

Inotropic drugs are medications used for people whose hearts are not pumping effectively. They can be broken down into two categories: positive inotropes and negative inotropes.

When healthcare providers talk about inotropic agents, they are always referring to positive inotropic agents. Negative inotropic effects are considered side effects of certain drugs. When drugs with negative inotropic effects are used in people whose hearts are not pumping effectively, these effects must be considered.

Positive Inotropes

Positive inotropes are medications that increase the heart's contractility, which is the force of the heart muscle to push blood out of the heart's chambers. These medications allow the heart to squeeze tighter and make each heartbeat more effective at pushing blood through the body, improving cardiac output. Cardiac output is the amount of blood the heart pumps every minute.

People whose hearts are weakened from illness or health conditions may need positive inotropes. These drugs can help in the following circumstances:

• Cardiogenic shock (very low blood pressure because the heart is not pumping enough blood to the body)

• Congestive heart failure (the heart does not provide enough blood flow to meet the body's needs)

• Cardiomyopathy (a condition in which the heart muscle is enlarged, thickened, and stiffened)

Inotropic drugs are medications ordered for people who are in the hospital and are very sick. The medication is typically given through an intravenous (IV) line at a continuous rate.

A patient needing inotropic drugs has a cardiac output that is low, meaning the heart is not pumping enough blood to the body. If this problem is not resolved quickly, it can lead to serious complications or death.

Negative Inotropes

Negative inotropes are medications that slow down a person's heart rate and reduce contractility. They reduce the stress on the heart by allowing it to beat with less force.

Conditions that may require a negative inotrope include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Heart failure

• Chest pain (angina)

• Irregular heart rhythm

• Previous heart attack

Negative inotropes can be given through an IV line or as an oral medication, depending on the severity of the patient's condition.

Which Drugs Are Inotropes?

A healthcare provider can choose between many different inotropic drugs. Their decision on which medication will be based on the health history and current medical needs of the person being treated.