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A cardiac stimulant is a drug which acts as a stimulant of the heart – e.g., via positive chronotropic action (increased heart rate) and/or inotropic action (increased myocardial contractility). They increase cardiac output (the amount of blood pumped by the heart over time).
- β1-Adrenergic receptor agonists like epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, denopamine, isoproterenol, and xamoterol[1][2]
- Adrenergic agents indirectly activating β1-adrenergic receptors[3]
- Norepinephrine prodrugs like droxidopa
- Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like atomoxetine, reboxetine, desipramine, nortriptyline, bupropion, milnacipran, methylphenidate, and cocaine[3]
- Norepinephrine releasing agents like amphetamine, methamphetamine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and mephentermine[3]
- α1-Adrenergic receptor antagonists like phentolamine, prazosin, terazosin, and doxazosin[3]
- α2-Adrenergic receptor antagonists like phentolamine, yohimbine, and atipamezole[3]
- Antimuscarinic anticholinergics like atropine[3]
- Adenosine receptor antagonists like caffeine, theophylline, and aminophylline[3]
- PDE3 inhibitors like amrinone, milrinone, and pimobendan[1][2][3]
- Cardiac glycosides like digoxin[2]
- Other agents like hydralazine, levosimendan, and cannabinoids[3]
Exercise is also a cardiac stimulant by increasing levels of the sympathomimetic catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine.[4][5]
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