The term inotropic state is most commonly used in reference to various drugs that affect the strength of contraction of heart muscle.
One of the most important factors affecting inotropic state is the level of calcium in the cytoplasm of the muscle cell.
While it is often recommended that vasopressors are given through a central line due to the risk of local tissue injury if the medication enters the local tissues, they are likely safe when given for less than two hours through good peripheral intravenous catheterization.
[10] Examples of positive inotropic agents include:[citation needed] Negative inotropic agents decrease myocardial contractility and are used to decrease cardiac workload in conditions such as angina.
While negative inotropism may precipitate or exacerbate heart failure in the short term, certain beta blockers (e.g. carvedilol, bisoprolol and metoprolol) have been believed to reduce long-term morbidity and mortality in congestive heart failure.