Climara Transdermal and Milrinone Lactate

• Generic Name: estradiol
• Dosage Forms: transdermal patch
• Other Brand Names: Alora, Climara, Estraderm, Estradiol Patch, Menostar, Minivelle, Vivelle, Vivelle-Dot, Delestrogen, Depo-Estradiol, Divigel, Elestrin Pump, Estrasorb, EstroGel Pump, Evamist, Estrace, DepoEstradiol, Elestrin, Estradot, Estrogel, Femtrace, Femring, Gynodiol

Estradiol transdermal gel, patch, and spray are used to treat moderate to severe hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause or low amounts of estrogen. It is also used to treat changes in and around the vagina (such as vaginal dryness, itching, and burning) caused by low estrogen levels or menopause. This medicine is also used to treat certain conditions in women before menopause if their ovaries do not make enough estrogens naturally, and prevent osteoporosis after menopause.

Estradiol is an estrogen hormone. The hormone from the patch, gel, and spray is absorbed through your skin into your body. It works by preventing symptoms, such as feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating (hot flashes) in women during menopause.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: milrinone
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Primacor, Primacor IV.

Short-term management of acute decompensated heart failure. In most clinical studies, used in patients with NYHA class III or IV CHF who were receiving cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin) and diuretics. No evidence to date that milrinone decreases mortality.

Not found to be safe and effective in the long-term (>48 hours) treatment of heart failure. (See Mortality Associated with Long-term Use under Cautions.) Some clinicians recommend reserving milrinone therapy for patients with severe heart failure whose condition is refractory to therapy with cardiac glycosides, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and/or β-adrenergic blocking agents.

Because positive inotropic agents have not demonstrated improved outcomes and can be potentially harmful (e.g., increased risk of arrhythmias in patients with heart failure), the ACCF and AHA recommend that these drugs be reserved for patients with severe systolic dysfunction who have low cardiac index and evidence of systemic hypoperfusion and/or congestion, or for palliative therapy in those with end-stage heart failure. To minimize risk of adverse effects, use lowest possible dosage and evaluate regularly for need for continued inotropic therapy.

Has been used for treatment of heart failure associated with cardiac surgery.

Also has been used for postresuscitation stabilization in patients who require additional cardiac output and BP support following cardiac arrest.