Inamrinone
Inamrinone is a positive inotropic agent used for the short-term treatment of acute decompensated heart failure. It increases cardiac contractility while also causing vasodilation, making it useful when other inotropic agents like digitalis are ineffective or contraindicated.
Inamrinone is a cardiac inotrope used for short-term management of acute heart failure.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CE01
- RxNorm
- 738
- Generic
- Inamrinone
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Inamrinone is indicated for the short-term intravenous treatment of acute decompensated heart failure, particularly when rapid hemodynamic support is needed and conventional therapies have proven inadequate.
Inamrinone works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase III (PDE3), which increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) in cardiac muscle cells. This leads to enhanced calcium influx and increased contractility, while also causing smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.
This medication is typically reserved for short-term use only. Common side effects include arrhythmias, hypotension, and gastrointestinal symptoms. It should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment, and platelet count monitoring is recommended during prolonged administration.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy