Indicated for the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Milrinone inhibits erythrocyte phosphodiesterase, resulting in an increase in erythrocyte cAMP activity. Subsequently, the erythrocyte membrane becomes more resistant to deformity. Along with erythrocyte activity, Milrinone also decreases blood viscosity by reducing plasma fibrinogen concentrations and increasing fibrinolytic activity.
LD<sub>50</sub> = 0.3 mg/L in rats
Milrinone is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability is 92% (in healthy volunteers).
2.3 hours
The primary route of excretion of milrinone in man is via the urine.
* 0.38 liters/kg [intravenous injections of 12.5 mcg/kg to 125 mcg/kg to congestive heart failure patients] * 0.45 liters/kg [intravenous infusions of 0.20 mcg/kg/min to 0.70 mcg/kg/min to congestive heart failure patients]
* 0.13 L/kg/hr [congestive heart failure patients, following IV injections of 12.5 mcg/kg to 125 mcg/kg] * 0.14 L/kg/hr [congestive heart failure patients, following infusions of 0.2 mcg/kg/min to 0.7 mcg/kg/min]