Word parts
What it means
A positive inotropic drug makes the heart pump more strongly; examples are digoxindih-JOK-sinA drug that makes the heart beat more strongly and more slowly.Full entry , dobutaminedoh-BYOO-tuh-meenAn IV drug that makes the heart muscle squeeze harder, used for short-term support of a weak heart.Full entry and milrinone, used in heart failure and some kinds of shock. A negative inotropic drug weakens the squeeze, as beta blockers and some calcium channel blockers do. The noun form is inotrope.
For the nurse
IV inotropic drugs are on the ISMP list of high-alert medications. Run them on a pump, keep the client on a cardiac monitor and check blood pressure, heart rate and urine output closely.
At a glance
| Drug class | inotrope (positive or negative) |
|---|---|
| Also written | inotropics, inotrope, inotropes |
Related terms
digoxin
A drug that makes the heart beat more strongly and more slowly.
heart failure
A long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
cardiac output
The amount of blood the heart pumps out in one minute.
dobutamine
An IV drug that makes the heart muscle squeeze harder, used for short-term support of a weak heart.