Milrinone

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

• Milrinone is available as an injection for intravenous use.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Milrinone is meant for use in adult patients only.

Contraindications

• Milrinone is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the medicine.

• It is also contraindicated in patients with severe aortic or pulmonic valve stenosis.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Milrinone can interact with blood pressure lowering medicines (such as enalapril, losartan), diuretics (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), and other medications used for heart conditions (such as digoxin, dobutamine). It may also interact with medications affecting heart rhythm (such as amiodarone, sotalol)

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Milrinone can lead to severe hypotension, arrhythmias, and potentially cardiac arrest. Supportive care, including fluids, vasopressors, antiarrhythmics, and mechanical circulatory support, may be required in such cases.

• If a dose of Milrinone is missed during a course of treatment in a hospital setting, medical staff will adjust the schedule accordingly. Patients do not typically administer this medicine themselves.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• For headaches, adjusting the environment to be quieter or darker may alleviate discomfort.

• Ensure adequate hydration if experiencing hypotension, but consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Milrinone is administered in a controlled clinical setting; thus, it does not directly relate to driving or operating machinery. However, patients should avoid these activities if they experience side effects like hypotension or arrhythmias after leaving the hospital.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Milrinone is classified under pregnancy category C. It should only be used when the potential benefits justify the risks to the foetus.

• It is unknown whether Milrinone is excreted in breast milk; hence, breastfeeding while on this medication should be discussed with a doctor.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution is advised when administering Milrinone to patients with pre-existing arrhythmias.

• Patients with low blood pressure or severe obstructive heart diseases like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should use this medicine cautiously.

• Additionally, caution is necessary for patients with kidney dysfunction or abnormal electrolyte levels.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Patients undergoing treatment for heart failure with Milrinone should adhere to a heart-healthy diet low in salt and saturated fats to avoid exacerbating their condition.

• Regular moderate physical activity, as recommended by a doctor, can help improve overall cardiovascular health.

• Managing fluid intake might be necessary depending on individual fluid retention status.

• Avoiding alcohol consumption is advised as it can worsen heart failure symptoms.

• Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or controlled breathing may also benefit overall heart health.

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions