Ibopamine. A preliminary review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic efficacy.

Ibopamine is an orally active derivative of dopamine which undergoes hydrolysis to the active moiety epinine. In single-dose and short term studies ibopamine demonstrated inotropic and vasodilating properties. It improved cardiac and systemic haemodynamics by increasing cardiac output and reducing afterload, both at rest and during exercise. In non-comparative clinical studies ibopamine produced benefits in functional class and clinical symptoms for up to 1 year in patients with moderate to severe congestive heart failure. Similarly, short term comparative studies with placebo have indicated ibopamine as a useful adjunct in the treatment of patients maintained on conventional therapy with digoxin, diuretics and vasodilators. Preliminary evidence also suggests that ibopamine is as effective as digoxin in the treatment of patients with moderate congestive heart failure. Should the results of long term comparative studies confirm these encouraging findings, ibopamine will be a useful addition to the drugs available or as an alternative to digoxin for the treatment of congestive heart failure.