Classification of Inotropes and Vasoconstrictors.
Classification of inotropes by mechanism of action:
Another classification:
- inotropes are agents that increase myocardial contractility (inotropy)
— e.g. adrenaline, dobutamine, isoprenaline, ephedrine - vasopressors are agents that cause vasoconstriction leading to increased systemic and/or pulmonary vascular resistance (SVR, PVR)
— e.g. noradrenaline, vasopressin, metaraminol, vasopressin, methylene blue - inodilators are agents with inotropic effects that also cause vasodilation leading to decreased systemic and/or pulmonary vascular resistance (SVR, PVR)
— e.g. milrinone, levosimendan - some agents don’t fit these categories easily!
— e.g. dopamine
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