Driving Expectations for Patients on Continuous Inotropic Infusions - Milrinone, Dobutamine and others
Patients may drive if they have
- A working defibrillator in place.
- Been on stable inotropic infusions for at least 3 months without lightheadedness, defibrillator shocks, or arrhythmias that may alter consciousness seen on defibrillator check.
- Been determined by a heart failure doctor as stable and allowed to drive.
- A 4-wheel enclosed private vehicle to drive.
Patients who are granted permission to drive cannot drive the vehicles listed below. This is not a complete list. Any questions should be discussed with a heart failure doctor.
- Commercial vehicles – taxi cabs, semi trucks, buses, etc.
- All terrain vehicles, motorcycles, etc.
Patients need to obtain permission from a heart failure doctor if they want to drive more than 2 hours away from their homes.
A heart failure doctor will decide when a patient may return to driving:
- If there is a change in the patient’s medical condition.
- If the patient has been in the hospital.
If the above guidelines are not followed, we have the right to report the patient to their state’s Department of Transportation.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/11/2011
Copyright © 07/11/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7234
Print Health Fact For You