DE BEHANDELING VAN CHRONISCH HARTFALEN IN DE HUISARTSENPRAKTIJK EN DE ROL VAN IBOPAMINE (INOPAMIL®)

Evidence for the role and importance of neuroendocrine modulation apart from pre- and afterload reduction as hemodynamic properties in the treatment of chronic heart failure (HF) is accumulating. The mainstay of therapy today are diuretics, digoxin and vasodilators, probably preferably converting enzyme inhibitors (CEI). Apart from vasodilating effects, CEI possess favorable neuroendocrine modulating properties. The recent development of the oral dopamine agonist ibopamine increases the possibilities for the treatment of HF. Ibopamine induces vasodilation and favorably influences the neuroendocrine system, with mild beneficial renal effects in patients with HF by different mechanisms compared to other drugs. Several clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of ibopamine in the treatment of HF.