amrinone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “amrinone” mean?
A proprietary drug, now obsolete, used historically as a cardiotonic and vasodilator.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proprietary drug, now obsolete, used historically as a cardiotonic and vasodilator.
A synthetic bipyridine derivative, formerly used to treat heart failure by increasing myocardial contractility and causing vasodilation. It is an inotropic agent, specifically a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor. Its generic name is inamrinone, a name adopted to avoid confusion with amiodarone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; it is a standardised international nonproprietary name. Both regions primarily use the updated generic name 'inamrinone'.
Connotations
In both dialects, the term connotes a specific, historical pharmacological agent. It may carry a slight connotation of obsolescence or being a predecessor to newer drugs.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both UK and US English outside of specialized historical or pharmacological contexts. The frequency of 'inamrinone' is also very low.
Grammar
How to Use “amrinone” in a Sentence
The physician administered amrinone.Amrinone was used to treat congestive heart failure.The study evaluated the haemodynamic effects of amrinone.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amrinone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The amrinone infusion was prepared by the pharmacy.
- An amrinone-like effect was observed.
American English
- The amrinone solution was administered via a central line.
- Researchers studied amrinone derivatives.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical reviews of cardiology or pharmacology.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used in specialised medical texts, drug histories, or pharmacology discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amrinone”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amrinone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amrinone”
- Misspelling as 'amarone', 'amrinine', or 'amrinolone'.
- Confusing it with the similar-sounding drug 'amiodarone'.
- Using it as a current term instead of its historical/obsolete designation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Amrinone (inamrinone) was historically used for the short-term intravenous treatment of congestive heart failure, particularly when other therapies were insufficient. It is no longer commonly used.
No, it is largely obsolete. Other drugs in the same class (like milrinone) or with different mechanisms are preferred due to a better side-effect profile and more extensive clinical data.
It is classified as a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, which makes it both an inotrope (strengthens heart contractions) and a vasodilator (widens blood vessels).
There is no pharmacological difference. 'Inamrinone' is the official generic (nonproprietary) name adopted to prevent medication errors with the similar-sounding drug 'amiodarone'. 'Amrinone' is the older name.
A proprietary drug, now obsolete, used historically as a cardiotonic and vasodilator.
Amrinone is usually technical/medical in register.
Amrinone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæmrɪnəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæmrɪnoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AMRInone: A Medicine for the Right side of the heart (historically).
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL for boosting the heart's pump.
Practice
Quiz
Why was the drug amrinone renamed to inamrinone?