Pharmacology: milrinone: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Pharmacology: milrinone

Sample item

Milrinone is classified as an inodilator because it does which of the following?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Inhibits phosphodiesterase III, raising cAMP, increasing contractility and causing vasodilation

Milrinone inhibits phosphodiesterase III, increasing intracellular cAMP in cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle. This increases contractility and lowers systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, independent of beta receptors. It is used in right ventricular failure and after cardiac surgery, with a risk of hypotension.

Option by option

  • A. Blocks alpha receptors only

    Alpha blockers do not have inotropic effect.

  • B. Inhibits phosphodiesterase III, raising cAMP, increasing contractility and causing vasodilation (correct)

    Correct. PDE III inhibition produces both inotropy and vasodilation.

  • C. Stimulates beta-1 receptors only

    Beta-1 stimulation is the action of dobutamine.

  • D. Inhibits the sodium-potassium ATPase

    Sodium-potassium ATPase inhibition is the action of digoxin.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is B, Inhibits phosphodiesterase III, raising cAMP, increasing contractility and causing vasodilation. Milrinone inhibits phosphodiesterase III, increasing intracellular cAMP in cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle.

Why is "Blocks alpha receptors only" not the answer?

Alpha blockers do not have inotropic effect.

Why is "Stimulates beta-1 receptors only" not the answer?

Beta-1 stimulation is the action of dobutamine.

Why is "Inhibits the sodium-potassium ATPase" not the answer?

Sodium-potassium ATPase inhibition is the action of digoxin.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharmacology: milrinone in Anaesthesia. This increases contractility and lowers systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, independent of beta receptors. It is used in right ventricular failure and after cardiac surgery, with a risk of hypotension.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Pharmacology: milrinone?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.