Which of the following is a side effect of inotropes?

Prepare for the Houston Methodist Pharmacology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your test!

Inotropes are medications that primarily affect the force of the heart's contractions, improving cardiac output. One of the notable side effects associated with inotropes is the risk of arrhythmias. This can occur due to their mechanism of action, which can alter the electrical activity of the heart. Inotropes can increase the contractility of the heart muscle, but they can also provoke disturbances in heart rhythm by increasing the demand for oxygen and affecting the heart's electrical conduction pathways.

The other options listed do not directly correlate with the primary pharmacological effects of inotropes. While hypertension might be observed with some medications, the causal relationship is more complex and less direct compared to the arrhythmias linked to inotropic effects. Visual disturbances and headaches are not commonly associated with the use of inotropes, making arrhythmias a more relevant and significant side effect for healthcare professionals to consider when managing patients receiving these medications.

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