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Primacor: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Primacor - General Information

A positive inotropic cardiotonic agent with vasodilator properties. It inhibits cAMP phosphodiesterase activity in myocardium and vascular smooth muscle. Primacor is a derivative of amrinone and has 20-30 times the ionotropic potency of amrinone. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Primacor

Primacor, a synthetic dimethylxanthine derivative structurally related to theophylline and caffeine, is used in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases and in the management of cerebrovascular insufficiency, sickle cell disease, and diabetic neuropathy.

 

Primacor for patients

 

Primacor Interactions

No untoward clinical manifestations have been observed in limited experience with patients in whom PRIMACOR was used concurrently with the following drugs: digitalis glycosides; lidocaine, quinidine; hydralazine, prazosin; isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin; chlorthalidone, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone; captopril; heparin, warfarin, diazepam, insulin; and potassium supplements.

Chemical Interactions

There is an immediate chemical interaction which is evidenced by the formation of a precipitate when furosemide is injected into an intravenous line of an infusion of PRIMACOR. Therefore, furosemide should not be administered in intravenous lines containing PRIMACOR.

 

Primacor Contraindications

PRIMACOR is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to it.

 

Additional information about Primacor

Primacor Indication: Indicated for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Mechanism Of Action: Primacor inhibits erythrocyte phosphodiesterase, resulting in an increase in erythrocyte cAMP activity. Subsequently, the erythrocyte membrane becomes more resistant to deformity. Along with erythrocyte activity, Primacor also decreases blood viscosity by reducing plasma fibrinogen concentrations and increasing fibrinolytic activity. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Milrinone Synonyms: Milrinone Lactate Drug Category: Vasodilator Agents; Cardiotonic Agents Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Milrinone: Corotrop; Corotrope; Milrila; Primacor; Absorption: Milrinone is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability is 92% (in healthy volunteers). Toxicity (Overdose): LD50 = 0.3 mg/L in rats Protein Binding: 70 to 80% Biotransformation: There are five metabolites but the O-glucuronide represents the major pathway of biotransformation. Half Life: 2.3 hours Dosage Forms of Primacor: Solution IntravenousLiquid Intravenous Chemical IUPAC Name: 6-methyl-2-oxo-5-pyridin-4-yl-1H-pyridine-3-carbonitrile Chemical Formula: C12H9N3O Milrinone on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milrinone Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals