Inotropialääke

Inotropialääke is a type of medication that affects the contractility of the heart muscle. These drugs, also known as inotropes, can either increase (positive inotropic effect) or decrease (negative inotropic effect) the force with which the heart pumps blood. Positive inotropes are primarily used to treat conditions where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, such as heart failure. They work by increasing the strength of each heartbeat, which can improve blood circulation and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Common examples of positive inotropic agents include digoxin, dobutamine, and milrinone. Digoxin, derived from the foxglove plant, works by inhibiting an enzyme that regulates calcium levels within heart cells. Increased calcium leads to stronger contractions. Dobutamine and milrinone are often administered intravenously in hospital settings for acute heart failure or during certain surgical procedures. They have different mechanisms but ultimately enhance myocardial contractility.

Negative inotropic drugs, on the other hand, reduce the force of heart muscle contractions. These are less commonly used and are typically prescribed for conditions where excessive heart contractility could be detrimental, such as certain types of arrhythmias or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that can have negative inotropic effects. The use of any inotropic agent requires careful medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions.