Milrinone MOA

Q: Milrinone is a(n)? - Select one

A) arteriolar dilator

B) Venodilator 

Answer: B

Milrinone has a minimal venodilation effect. In fact, it's a pure arterial dilator. This explains its good effect on pulmonary arteries as a good afterload reducer for the right heart.

#hemodynamics

#pharmacology

References:

1. Ayres JK, Maani CV. Milrinone. 2023 Aug 28. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 30422538.

2. de Miranda ML, Pereira SJ, Santos AO, Villela NR, Kraemer-Aguiar LG, Bouskela E. Milrinone attenuates arteriolar vasoconstriction and capillary perfusion deficits on endotoxemic hamsters. PLoS One. 2015 Feb 3;10(2):e0117004. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117004. PMID: 25646813; PMCID: PMC4315607.

3. Shipley JB, Tolman D, Hastillo A, Hess ML. Milrinone: basic and clinical pharmacology and acute and chronic management. Am J Med Sci. 1996 Jun;311(6):286-91. doi: 10.1097/00000441-199606000-00011. PMID: 8659556.