Ionotropic, lusitropics, vasodilators and vasoconstrictors

Abstract

This chapter is intended to review the vasoactive medications that are described as inotropes, lusitropes, vasoconstrictors, and vasodilators. The inotropes include dobutamine, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, isoproterenol, dopexamine, and digoxin. The lusitropes include milrinone and inamrinone. The vasoconstrictors include phenylephrine and vasopressin, and the vasodilators include enalapril, esmolol, hydralazine, labetalol, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, sildenafil, and verapamil. The chapter will provide an overview of the medications and primarily focus on the drug’s mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, pediatric drug dosing, and adverse effects associated with their use.