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Inamrinone Lactate Information - Side Effects, Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Heart medication that strengthens heart muscle action and improves blood circulation.

How the Inamrinone Lactate Works:

Inamrinone works on the heart to increase the force with which the heart pumps blood through the body (heart tonic). This increases the amount of blood the heart pumps and improves blood circulation in patients in whom the heart is not pumping enough blood (eg, congestive heart failure).

Uses of the Inamrinone Lactate:

For the short-term treatment of symptoms of congestive heart failure in patients who have not responded to standard therapy.

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh possible hazards to the fetus.

  • Breastfeeding: It is not known if invariance appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

  • Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Lab tests and eXams will be required to monitor therapy. Tests will include kidney and liver function tests, and fluid and electrolyte, blood pressure, blood tests, and heart rate monitoring.

  • Sulfites: Inamrinone contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite preservative that can cause potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in certain individuals. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over ­ the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking inamrinone. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. Disopyramide (eg, Nor­pace) interacts with inamrinone.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many inamrinone users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Circulatory System: Irregular heartbeat; low blood pressure; decreased blood platelets.

Other: Nausea.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Dosage is individualized. Use exactly as prescribed.

  • Solutions will be prepared and administered by your health care provider. Dosage will be determined by your doctor. Do not change, adjust, or manipulate the infusion device.

  • Visually inspect solution for particles or discoloration before use.

  • Duration of therapy will depend on patient responsiveness.

  • Because of limited experience and potential for serious side effects, inamrinone should only be used in patients who can be closely monitored and who have not responded adequately to digitalis, diuretics, or vasodilators.

  • During intravenous (IV; into a vein) therapy with inamrinone, blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored and the rate of infusion slowed or stopped in patients showing excessive decreases in blood pressure.

  • Notify your doctor if you experience an abnormal heartbeat.

  • Furosemide should not be administered in IV lines containing inamrinone.

  • Lab tests and exams will be required to monitor therapy.