Cardiac stimulant

A cardiac stimulant is a drug which acts as a stimulant of the heart – e.g., via positive chronotropic action and/or inotropic action. They increase cardiac output.

Examples

β₁-Adrenergic receptor agonists like epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, denopamine, isoproterenol, and xamoterol
Adrenergic agents indirectly activating β₁-adrenergic receptors
* Norepinephrine prodrugs like droxidopa
* Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like atomoxetine, reboxetine, desipramine, nortriptyline, bupropion, milnacipran, methylphenidate, and cocaine
* Norepinephrine releasing agents like amphetamine, methamphetamine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and mephentermine
α₁-Adrenergic receptor antagonists like phentolamine, prazosin, terazosin, and doxazosin
α₂-Adrenergic receptor antagonists like phentolamine, yohimbine, and atipamezole
Antimuscarinic anticholinergics like atropine
Adenosine receptor antagonists like caffeine, theophylline, and aminophylline
PDE3 inhibitors like amrinone, milrinone, and pimobendan
Cardiac glycosides like digoxin
Other agents like hydralazine, levosimendan, and cannabinoids

Exercise is also a cardiac stimulant by increasing levels of the sympathomimetic catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine.