Question:

Which among the following is the best inotrope drug for use in right heart failure due to pulmonary hypertension?

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Look for the inodilator that also lowers pulmonary vascular resistance.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Dopamine
  • Isoprenaline
  • Halothane
  • Milrinone
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Define the clinical problem. Right heart failure from pulmonary hypertension needs a drug that increases right ventricular contractility while reducing pulmonary vascular resistance (afterload on the right ventricle).
Step 2: Recall milrinone's mechanism. Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor; it raises intracellular cyclic AMP, producing positive inotropy in the heart and vasodilation in the systemic and pulmonary vasculature. This combination is described as an inodilator.
Step 3: Apply this to the right ventricle. By lowering pulmonary vascular resistance, milrinone unloads the failing right ventricle while also strengthening its contraction, which is exactly what is needed here.
Step 4: Eliminate the others. Dopamine, especially at higher doses, can raise pulmonary vascular resistance and cause tachyarrhythmias. Isoprenaline is a non-selective beta agonist causing marked tachycardia. Halothane is an inhalational anaesthetic and a myocardial depressant, not an inotrope.
Answer: Option D, Milrinone.
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