inotrope

noun

ino·​trope ˈī-nə-ˌtrōp 

: 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

Medical Definition

inotrope

noun

ino·​trope ˈī-nə-ˌtrōp 

: 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