primacor infusion

  please give me any information on the primacor infusion.  I need to know the benefits and side effects.  Thank you

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

_
Dear Judy,
Primacor (also known as milrinone) is indicated for the treatment of heart
failure because it works to make the heart pump stronger.  A patient on this
medication needs continuous monitoring when initiated plus regular blood work
to follow electrolyte levels, renal function (kidney), as well the blood pressure
and heart rhythm need to be followed.   It is mostly used as a continuous infusion
for acutely ill patients in the intensive care unit, but can also be used
as a continuous infusion for long term(home)use in those with advanced heart
failure.  Unlike one of its counterparts, dobutamine, it is better for those
patients with high pulmonary artery pressures, but since it can cause dangerously
low blood pressure (hypotension), it is not always possible to use it.
Primacor is not interactive with other ususal heart failure meds, however the
diuretic-lasix, can not be injected in the same IV as it will precipitate (form a solid.)
There are no known carciogenic effects of this drug.
There is a small risk of arrhythmias (life and non-life threatening) with infusion of
milrinone, however this is usually related to the associated other heart failure treatment/drugs and
not the milrinone itself.
Headache is a possible side effect as well.
I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for
general purposes only. Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies.
Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please
call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at
www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the
cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your
cardiac problem.