What is one brand name of a positive inotropic drug?

Prepare for the Kettering Patient Assessment Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to enhance your learning experience and boost your exam readiness.

Digoxin is a well-known positive inotropic drug that enhances the force of contraction of the heart muscle. It is primarily used in the treatment of various types of heart conditions, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation. By increasing the intracellular calcium concentration, Digoxin promotes stronger myocardial contractions, which is essential for improving cardiac output and overall heart function in patients with heart failure.

In this context, understanding that positive inotropic agents specifically enhance cardiac contractility is critical. This mechanism differentiates Digoxin from other medications listed in the options. For example, Propranolol and Atenolol are beta-blockers, which are negative inotropic agents as they reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility. Furosemide, on the other hand, is a diuretic that helps reduce fluid overload but does not have a direct positive effect on the strength of heart contractions.

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