Cardiotonic agent

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In medicine and pharmacology, cardiotonic agents are "agents that have a strengthening effect on the heart or that can increase cardiac output. They may be cardiac glycosides; sympathomimetics; or other drugs. They are used after myocardial infarct; cardiac surgical procedures; in shock; or in congestive heart failure (heart failure)."[1]

Examples

sympathomimetic cardiotonic agents

cardiac glycosides cardiotonic agents

phosphodiesterase inhibitors cardiotonic agents

Indications and contraindications

Other than perhaps to buy time during corrective surgery, drugs have a limited role in maintaining blood pressure as long as uncorrected trauma, obstruction to perfusion, and hemorrhage exists.

References