NCIt definition : The lactate salt form of milrinone, a cardiovascular bipyridine agent and phosphodiesterase
(PDE) III inhibitor, with positive inotropic and vasodilator activities. Upon administration,
milrinone selectively inhibits PDE-mediated degradation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate
(cAMP) in the heart and vascular muscles, thereby increasing cAMP and activates protein
kinase A (PKA). This leads to phosphorylation of calcium ion channels and improve
myocardium contractile force. Milrinone also causes vasodilation in arteriolar and
venous vascular smooth muscle.;