[Acute hemodynamic effects of alifedrine in patients with heart failure]

The newly synthesized cardiotonic agent alifedrine (1-cyclohexyl-3-[(1S, 2R)-2-hydroxy-methyl-2-phenylethylamino]-propan-1-one) was shown to have vasodilating and positive inotropic effects in experimental animals. The effectiveness was tested in 8 patients with congestive heart failure already receiving digitalis and diuretics. After the intravenous administration of 40 mg alifedrine, cardiac output and stroke volume index increased and systemic vascular resistance and left ventricular filling pressure decreased. Left ventricular ejection fraction improved and there were no significant changes in heart rate and mean aortic pressure. Alifedrine, therefore, improves left ventricular performance in patients with congestive heart failure treated with digitalis and diuretic agents.