Milrinone is a medication primarily used to treat heart failure. It works by increasing the strength of heart contractions and relaxing blood vessels, which helps improve blood flow and reduce the workload on the heart. This makes it particularly useful in acute settings, such as during hospital stays. Typically administered through an intravenous (IV) line, milrinone is often given to patients who do not respond well to other heart failure treatments. While it can be effective, it may also have side effects, including low blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms, so careful monitoring is essential during its use.