Uses

This medication is used for the short-term treatment of heart failure. It works by making your heart beat stronger and by relaxing certain blood vessels so that the amount of blood that is pumped from the heart is increased. This effect may help with symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, tiredness).

How To Use

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. It is usually first given as a slow injection (over 10 minutes) and then given as a continuous infusion thereafter.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

Side Effects

Headaches may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• pain/redness/swelling at the injection site
• fast/irregular heartbeat
• dizziness
• fainting
• chest pain

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using milrinone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• heart valve disease
• kidney disease
• mineral imbalance (low level of potassium in the blood)
• irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation)

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products have ingredients that could worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.

Notes

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, heart rate/rhythm, kidney function, blood mineral levels) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

This drug is to be given continuously as an infusion. If your infusion is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.