Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

intravenous milrinone

Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor that increases cardiac contractility and vasodilation.

Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor that increases cardiac contractility and vasodilation. Used for Acute heart failure, Cardiogenic shock.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

By inhibiting phosphodiesterase 3, milrinone increases the levels of cyclic AMP in cardiac muscle cells, leading to increased contractility and vasodilation. This results in improved cardiac output and reduced pulmonary artery pressure.

Approved indications

• Acute heart failure
• Cardiogenic shock

Common side effects

• Hypotension
• Tachycardia
• Arrhythmias
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache

Key clinical trials

• Comparison of Milrinone and Epinephrine on TAPSE (NA)
• Milrinone in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (PHASE2)
• Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension in High-risk Cardiac Surgery Patients Using Inhalational and Intravenous Agents (NA)
• Milrinone for Prevention of Post-ligation Cardiac Syndrome Trial (PHASE3)
• The Study of Heart Failure With Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (19#iSCLife®-HF) (PHASE1, PHASE2)
• Inhaled and Intravenous Milrinone in Patients With Severe Pulmonary Hypertension (PHASE4)
• CAPITAL DOREMI 2: Inotrope Versus Placebo Therapy for Cardiogenic Shock (PHASE4)
• Inhaled Versus Intravenous Milrinone for Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery (PHASE2, PHASE3)

Primary sources

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