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Overview: Milrinone is used for the short-term treatment of worsening heart failure. It works by helping your heart pump better by relaxing blood vessels and making the heart beat stronger. Common side effects include low blood pressure and headache.

Uses

What is milrinone used for?

Milrinone is used for the short-term treatment of worsening heart failure. 

Milrinone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does milrinone work (mechanism of action)?

Milrinone helps your heart pump better by relaxing blood vessels and making the heart beat stronger. This improves blood flow to the body and helps reduce fluid buildup.

How is milrinone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Primacor

Dosage forms and strengths

Milrinone is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store milrinone?

Milrinone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of milrinone?

The most common side effects of milrinone are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of milrinone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of milrinone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of milrinone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Heart Rhythm Changes. Milrinone may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who already have heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding, or skipping heartbeat

Severe Allergic Reactions. Milrinone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Tell your health care provider right away or get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use milrinone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use milrinone.

  • Milrinone
  • Primacor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific milrinone products they stock.

What should I know about milrinone before using it?

Milrinone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is injected into your veins.

Your health care provider will closely monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood tests while you are receiving this medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using milrinone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if milrinone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how milrinone could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if milrinone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does milrinone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between milrinone and foods or drinks. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect milrinone. 

Does milrinone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between milrinone and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much milrinone?

If you or someone else has used too much milrinone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of milrinone?

Milrinone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving milrinone as scheduled.