Ibopamine in very severe congestive heart failure: pilot haemodynamic invasive assessment.

The acute effects of ibopamine, a new, orally active dopaminergic agent, were assessed invasively in 8 patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA Class IV). The cardiac Index increased (P less than 0.01) and preload and afterload decreased (P less than 0.05) after a single mean dose of ibopamine 1.4 mg/kg. The peak effect occurred after 1 to 3 h and activity was still demonstrable after 4 to 6 h. There was no change in blood pressure, heart rate or rhythm. No clinical evidence of cardiac toxicity or side effects was noted. Oral ibopamine shows promise in the treatment of congestive heart failure, but more extensive studies after chronic treatment are desirable.