noun
- Drugs or substances that strengthen the contractions of the heart muscle and improve cardiac output.
Usage: Medical/pharmaceutical term; Usually used in plural form; Also called cardiac stimulants or inotropic agents
Examples
- The cardiologist prescribed cardiotonics to improve the patient's heart function.
- Digitalis glycosides are among the oldest cardiotonics used in clinical practice.
- Modern cardiotonics help patients with congestive heart failure maintain better circulation.
- The hospital's cardiac unit stocks several types of cardiotonics for emergency treatment.
- Cardiotonics work by increasing the force of heart muscle contractions.