Milrinone

Milrinone is a vasodilator that is used for short-term treatment of life-threatening heart failure.

Milrinone may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Milrinone is given as an infusion into a vein, usually continuously for up to 48 hours. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your heart rate and blood pressure will be checked all the time. Your kidney function and electrolytes may also need to be tested with blood tests.

In an emergency, you might not be able to inform caregivers about your health conditions. Ensure that any doctor treating you later is aware that you received milrinone.

You should not be treated with milrinone if you are allergic to it.

If possible before you receive milrinone, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a heart attack;
• a heart valve disorder;
• heart rhythm problems; or
• low levels of potassium in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• chest pain;
• feeling light-headed, as if you might faint; or
• low potassium level—leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or feeling limp.

Common side effects of milrinone may include:

• headache;
• chest pain; or
• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

Loading dose: 50 mcg/kg IV over 10 minutes.Maintenance infusion: 0.375 to 0.75 mcg/kg/min.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

less than 1 month:Hemodynamic support: Full term neonates: Loading dose: 50 to 75 mcg/kg IV administered over 15 minutes followed by a continuous infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg/minute; titrate to effect; range: 0.25 to 0.75 mcg/kg/minute has been used by several centers. One report used a loading dose of 50 mcg/kg IV administered over 15 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg/minute for 30 minutes in 10 neonates (3 to 27 days old, median age: 5 days) with low cardiac output after cardiac surgery; results showed improved hemodynamic parameters and milrinone was well tolerated.Prevention of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome (CHD corrective surgery): Full term neonates: Loading dose: 75 mcg/kg IV administered over 60 minutes followed by a continuous IV infusion of 0.75 mcg/kg/minute for 35 hours was used in a randomized, placebo controlled trial of 227 patients (age: 2 days to 6.9 years, median: 3 months) and showed 64% relative risk reduction for development of low cardiac output syndrome compared to placebo; a lower milrinone dose used in the study did not show a statistically significant relative risk reduction compared to placebo for the same endpoint. 1 month and older:Loading dose: 50 mcg/kg IV over 15 minutes.Maintenance infusion: 0.25-1 mcg/kg/min.

Since milrinone is given by a healthcare professional, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Since milrinone is given in a medical setting, you will be closely monitored to ensure you do not receive too much of milrinone. Your caregivers will promptly treat you if you show signs of an overdose.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

Other drugs may affect milrinone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.