What is Primacor
MilrinoneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMilrinone is a medication used to treat heart failure, a condition in which the heart is not able to pump enough blood and oxygen to the body. It increases levels of a molecule called cAMP, which helps the heart contract and improve blood flow. Milrinone was created in the 1980s and was approved by the FDA in 1987. It was sold under the brand name PRIMACOR® by Sanofi-Aventis US, but has since been discontinued.
Primacoris the brand name
Primacor Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Primacor
Milrinone
1987
60
Effectiveness
How Primacor Affects PatientsMilrinone is a medicine that helps the heart work better by improving its pumping and relaxing blood vessels, but with minimal effect on heart rate. It is used to treat congestive heart failure. However, it can also cause an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death, so it should only be used for up to 48 hours. Additionally, the dose may need to be adjusted in patients with kidney problems as milrinone is mainly excreted by the kidneys.
How Primacor works in the bodyMilrinone is a drug used to treat heart failure. It works by stopping an enzyme called phosphodiesterase III, which stops the production of a chemical called cAMP. cAMP is responsible for making the heart beat stronger and more efficiently. It can also widen the blood vessels to help with circulation. Since milrinone stops the enzyme, it increases cAMP levels, even in people whose bodies are not responding well to other treatments. This makes it a good option for people with desensitized or downregulated beta-adrenergic receptors.
When to interrupt dosage
The advised dose of Primacor is contingent upon the diagnosed circumstance, including Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF), Cardiac observation and Congestive Heart Failure. The dosage is dependent on the administration technique (e.g. Injection, solution - Intravenous or Injection, solution) detailed in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Congestive Heart Failure
, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, , Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)
, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, , Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous
Cardiac monitoring
, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, , Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intravenous
Warnings
Primacor has one contraindication, thus it should be avoided for any of the circumstances indicated in the table below.Primacor ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Milrinone may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Primacor Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amrinone
Major
The risk or severity of congestive heart failure, bleeding, hypotension, and Tachycardia can be increased when Milrinone is combined with Amrinone.
Anagrelide
Major
The risk or severity of congestive heart failure, bleeding, hypotension, and Tachycardia can be increased when Milrinone is combined with Anagrelide.
Cilostazol
Major
The risk or severity of congestive heart failure, bleeding, hypotension, and Tachycardia can be increased when Milrinone is combined with Cilostazol.
Enoximone
Major
The risk or severity of congestive heart failure, bleeding, hypotension, and Tachycardia can be increased when Milrinone is combined with Enoximone.
Abacavir
Minor
Milrinone may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Primacor Toxicity & Overdose RiskThere is limited information about how toxic milrinone is. Taking too much may lead to dangerously low blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. Treatment for an overdose should focus on relieving symptoms and providing support.
Primacor Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Primacor?
36 active trials are presently researching the utility of Primacor in the management of Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiac monitoring and Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF).Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)
10 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
Congestive Heart Failure
24 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Cardiac monitoring
0 Actively Recruiting
Primacor Reviews: What are patients saying about Primacor?
4.7Patient Review
4/21/2017 I was in organ failure and on life support when I woke up to find that I was in stage 4 CHF. My doctors put me on Primacor, which saved my life but had some serious side effects that no one saw coming. It was worth it to save my life before they tried cutting me open.
4.3Patient Review
10/2/2008 This medication has improved my quality of life greatly. I only wish that it was available in pill form instead of the current liquid form.
4.3Patient Review
4/26/2013 I've only just started this treatment, but things are looking promising so far.
3.3Patient Review
7/27/2009 This treatment is helping my patient with end stage COPD. Their chest x-ray showed a right lower lobe infiltrate, bilateral pleural effusion and pulmonary edema. It's possible they have atypical pneumonia with microplasma. They are currently on Ativan IV PRN, Lasix 80mg IV three times daily, and continuous bipap except for eating. Their BUN is currently 41, creatine clearance 1.2.
1Patient Review
11/27/2013 End-of-life care in hospice was not up to my standards.
Patient Q&A Section about primacor
Is PRIMACOR the same as milrinone?
"Milrinone, sold as Primacor, is a drug that improves heart function and reduces pulmonary artery pressure. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme that ordinarily would reduce the heart's output." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is PRIMACOR used for?
"This medication is used to relieve symptoms of heart failure. By increasing the strength of your heart beat and relaxing certain blood vessels, it allows your heart to pump more blood. This can help reduce symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What type of drug is PRIMACOR?
"Primacor IV is a prescription medicine that is used to relieve the symptoms of congestive heart failure. It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. Primacor IV is classified as an inotropic agent and a phosphodiesterase-3 enzyme inhibitor." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is milrinone used for?
"Milrinone is a medication typically used to support cardiac function in patients with acute heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or chronic heart failure." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer