Peripheral hemodynamic effects of ibopamine in patients with congestive heart failure. A placebo-controlled, double-blind study.

Under double-blind conditions, 150 mg of ibopamine (di-isobutyric ester of N-methyldopamine) or placebo were given orally to 11 patients with congestive heart failure; after 3 hours, 50 mg of sulpiride were administered intramuscularly. Peripheral hemodynamics were evaluated at the level of the forearm using strain-gauge plethysmography. Ibopamine increased arterial blood flow and venous capacity and decreased arterial peripheral resistance; these effects were counteracted by sulpiride. No significant changes were observed after placebo and sulpiride. These findings confirm the vasodilating effects of ibopamine on peripheral hemodynamics and its utility in patients for the treatment of congestive heart failure.