. 2018 Dec 27;49(1):22–45. doi: 10.4070/kcj.2018.0349

Table 2. Positive inotropes and vasopressors used to treat AHF.

Drug	Bolus	Infusion rate	Effects
Dobutamine	Not recommended	2–20 µg/kg/min	Increase cardiac contractility via interaction with beta-receptors
Dopamine	Not recommended	<3 µg/kg/min	Dilate renal blood vessels
		3–5 µg/kg/min	Increase cardiac contractility via interaction with beta-receptors
		>5 µg/kg/min	Increase cardiac contractility via interaction with beta-receptors
		>5 µg/kg/min	Vasoconstriction via interaction with alpha-receptors
Milrinone	25–75 µg/kg over 10–20 min	0.375–0.75 µg/kg/min	Increase cardiac output and heart rate
Milrinone	25–75 µg/kg over 10–20 min	0.375–0.75 µg/kg/min	Decrease systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance
Levosimendan	12 µg/kg over 10 min	0.1 µg/kg/min (0.05–0.2 µg/kg/min)	Increase cardiac contractility via increased Ca²⁺ sensitivity
Levosimendan	12 µg/kg over 10 min	0.1 µg/kg/min (0.05–0.2 µg/kg/min)	Vasodilation via interaction with the ATP-dependent Ca²⁺ channel
Norepinephrine	Not recommended	0.2–1.0 µg/kg/min	Vasoconstriction
Epinephrine	During resuscitation: 1 mg intravenously and every 3–5 min	0.05–0.5 µg/kg/min	Vasoconstriction