Effects of oxyfedrine on left ventricular function in patients several months after myocardial infarction.

Left ventricular (LV) function was investigated by left heart catheterization at rest and during exercise in 15 men 3--5 months after acute myocardial infarction. The effect of 8 mg oxyfedrine i.v. in 10 patients was compared to placebo in 5. The administration of oxyfedrine led to a significant decrease of LV end-diastolic pressure; an increase of LV dp/dt max, heart rate, LV ejection fraction and LV stroke work; and a shift of LV function curve indicating its improvement. These results give evidence for a positive inotropic effect of this drug which could have therapeutic implications in patients with impaired LV function after myocardial infarction.