Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
inotrope
Pronunciation: EYE-no-trope
A medication that affects the strength of heart muscle contractions.
Full Definition
Inotropes are medications that modify the force of myocardial contraction (contractility). Positive inotropes like dobutamine, milrinone, and digoxin increase contractile force and are used in heart failure or cardiogenic shock. Negative inotropes like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers decrease contractile force and may be used to reduce myocardial oxygen demand. The choice of inotropic agent depends on the clinical scenario, hemodynamic goals, and patient's underlying cardiac function.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from vasopressors, which primarily affect vascular tone rather than cardiac contractility.
In Context
- "The patient required continuous inotrope infusion to maintain adequate cardiac output." — intensive care unit note
- "Weaning of inotropic support was initiated once hemodynamic stability was achieved." — critical care progress note
Also known as
inotropic agent
contractility modifier
Don't confuse with
vasopressor
chronotrope