Abstract

Enoximone (Perfan – Merrell) and milrinone (Primacor – Sterling-Winthrop) are phosphodiesterase inhibitors marketed for short-term intravenous use in patients with heart failure on intensive care units. The manufacturers claim that enoximone is ‘a first-line inotrope for the failing heart’ while milrinone is advocated for ‘resistant heart failure’. Are these drugs useful additions to existing treatments?