Master Milrinone and Amrinone with Picmonic for Pharmacy

Milrinone and Amrinone are phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitors. This enzyme is present primarily in cardiac myocytes and the smooth muscle cells of arteries and veins. It’s responsible for breaking down cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Inhibition of this enzyme will cause a rise in cAMP levels, which directly activate protein kinase A (PKA). In myocytes, increased cAMP leads to increased inotropy and therefore improved heart contractility. In the vessels, increased cAMP leads to vasodilation.

Milrinone and Amrinone potentiate the effects of beta adrenergic receptor stimulation. Both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors activate adenylyl cyclase when stimulated, increasing intracellular cAMP concentrations. Beta-1 and beta-2 receptors are stimulated by catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Milrinone and Amrinone increase cardiac inotropy or contractility. Inhibition of cAMP degradation in cardiac myocytes increases the amount of available cAMP. cAMP activates protein kinase A, releasing calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Recall that calcium is required for muscle contraction, and that increased levels of calcium will reveal additional actin binding sites by moving troponin out of the way. Increased binding of myosin and actin then increases inotropy.

Milrinone and Amrinone cause vasodilation in the systemic vasculature by acting on vascular smooth muscle cells. Preventing the degradation of cAMP leads to higher cAMP levels and activation of protein kinase A. This leads to increased phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase which relaxes vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation. Systemic vasodilation decreases afterload, allowing the heart to pump more effectively.

Milrinone and Amrinone can be used to treat acute decompensated heart failure and cardiogenic shock. In decompensated heart failure, the heart is unable to keep up with the workload imposed on it. This may be due to a variety of factors including fluid overload, cardiac ischemia or arrhythmias. Milrinone and amrinone increase the contractility of the heart while reducing afterload via systemic vasodilation, allowing the diseased heart to pump more effectively.

Milrinone and Amrinone have the potential to cause ventricular arrhythmias. Their cardiostimulatory effects combined with reflex tachycardia due to vasodilation can induce arrhythmias in a non-dose dependent fashion. As such, these drugs are typically only indicated for treatment of acute conditions, and require close cardiopulmonary monitoring.

Milrinone and Amrinone can cause hypotension. This response is dose dependent, and can be considered a continuation of the drug’s therapeutic effects on the vasculature. Increased levels of these drugs in the bloodstream can cause vasodilatory effects greater than initially intended. For this reason, patients require continuous monitoring.