Use of inotropes in the critical care setting

Abstract

Positive intropic agents are widely used in critical care settings to treat several syndromes associated with hemodynamic derangements. Norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and dobutamine are the drugs of choice for several specific critical care syndromes, but the properties of each agent and the pathophysiology of the patient are important mediating factors. The hemodynamic status of the patient should be assessed, with invasive hemodynamic monitoring if necessary, and the choice of drug should be made on the basis of data thus obtained.