Inotropes

Question 1

Noradrenaline

Answer 1

α agonist

Vasopressor action, minimal effect on cardiac output

Question 2

Adrenaline

Answer 2

α and β receptor agonist

Increases cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance

Question 3

Dopamine

Answer 3

β1 agonist

Increases contractility and rate

Question 4

Dobutamine

Answer 4

β1 and β2 agonist

Increases cardiac output and decreases SVR

Question 5

Milrinone

Answer 5

Phosphodiesterase inhibitor

Elevation of cAMP levels improves muscular contractility, short half life and acts as vasodilator