Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors increase intracellular cAMP, which increases intracellular calcium levels. Increased intracellular calcium levels result in increased cardiac contractility and improved cardiac output.  Phosphodiesterase inhibitors also cause reduction in vascular resistance and improve diastolic filling.  Due to increased mortality with long-term use, milrinone is only used briefly but can cause hypotension and thrombocytopenia.

Class Drugs

• Milrinone

Class Mechanism of Action

Increases intracellular cAMP

• Increased intracellular cAMP increases intracellular calcium, which increases cardiac contractility

Class Applications

Heart failure

Class Adverse Effects

• Long-term use may result in increased mortality

• Hypotension

• Thrombocytopenia

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Milrinone			"Million in 1"