INAMRINONE (Systemic)?

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• Inamrinone

Generic name product may be available in the U.S.

? Not commercially available in Canada.

Category

• Cardiotonic

Description

Inamrinone(in-AM-rih-nohn) is used to treat heart failure. Inamrinonehelps your heart to work better. This medicine may be used only if other treatmentshave not worked for you.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in thefollowing dosage form:

Parenteral
• Injection (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must beweighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctorwill make. For inamrinone, the following should be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusualor allergic reaction to inamrinone or bisulfites. Also tell your healthcareprofessional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,or dyes.

Pregnancy?Inamrinone has not been studied in pregnant women.However, studies in animals have shown that inamrinone causes birth defects.Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnantor may become pregnant

Breast-feeding?It is not known whether inamrinone passes intohuman breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in smallamounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers whoare taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this withtheir doctor.

Children?This medicine has been tested in children and,in effective doses, has not been shown to cause specific problems.

Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effectsor problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing useof inamrinone in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of inamrinone. Make sure you tell your doctorif you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Blood vessel disease or
• Heart disease?Inamrinone may make these conditions worse

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease?Inamrinone may make liver problems worse; yourdoctor may need to change your dose

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing?The dose of inamrinone will be different for different patients.

• For injection dosage form:
  • For congestive heart failure:
    • Adults?Dose is based on your weight and must be determinedby your doctor.
    • Children?Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicinemay cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects mayoccur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctorimmediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Dizziness; irregular heartbeat; low blood pressure

Rare

Black, sticky stools; blood in urineor stools; burning at site of injection; chest pain or discomfort; loss of appetite; pinpoint red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising; weight loss; yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects may occur that usuallydo not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatmentas your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if anyof the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

Less common

Fever; nausea or vomiting; stomach pain

Other side effects not listed above may also occur insome patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.