Which treatment is considered a positive inotropic agent for heart failure?

Dobutamine is recognized as a positive inotropic agent specifically used in the treatment of heart failure. It works by stimulating beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to an increase in myocardial contractility and cardiac output. This effect is particularly beneficial in acute heart failure settings or for patients with low cardiac output.

Although digoxin also has positive inotropic effects, it primarily functions as a cardiac glycoside, showing its benefits more in terms of heart rate modulation rather than immediate contractility. Likewise, dopamine can act as a positive inotropic agent at higher doses, but it primarily serves as a vasopressor, affecting vascular tone rather than providing sustained inotropic support for chronic heart failure.

Amlodipine, on the other hand, is a calcium channel blocker. While it may help manage hypertension and angina, it does not exhibit positive inotropic properties and is not utilized in treating heart failure related to poor contractility. Therefore, dobutamine stands out as the most appropriate choice for providing immediate inotropic support in patients experiencing heart failure.