Cardioactive bipyridines: Inamrinone, Milrinone

All PDE inhibitors are arrhythmogenic. Milirnone is more potent and has fewer side effects.

Mechanism:

They inhibit PDE enzyme (type 3) → ↑ cAMP → ↑ Ca2+ influx in myocardial cells → ↑ myocardial contractility.

They have VD properties → reduction of PR with no effect on HR.

Uses:

they are used in acute HF when other drugs fail.

Side effects:

  • Thrombocytopenia.
  • Cardiac arrhythmia.
  • Hepatotoxicity.