inotrope

noun

ino·​trope ˈī-nə-ˌtrōp How to pronounce inotrope (audio)
: a substance that increases or decreases the force of muscular contractions : an inotropic drug or agent (such as epinephrine or a beta-blocker)
Digoxin remains the only (albeit weak) positive inotrope that is valuable in the management of chronic heart failure.C. R. Gibbs et al.

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inotrope was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near inotrope

Cite this Entry

“Inotrope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inotrope. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

inotrope

noun
ino·​trope ˈī-nə-ˌtrōp How to pronounce inotrope (audio)
: an agent (such as epinephrine or a beta-blocker) that either increases or decreases the force of muscular contraction : an inotropic substance or drug
In patients with advanced heart failure, medications called inotropes may be used to help the heart muscle beat more strongly.Janet M. Torpy et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association
Agents that reduce intracellular calcium and inhibit contraction are called negative inotropes and include calcium channel blockers, parasympathomimetics, and states such as hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis.Mary Gavaghan, AORN Journal
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