Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Bipyridine?

C.B. Fox
C.B. Fox

An organic compound, bipyridine is a molecule that can be coupled with other molecules in order to create a number of different chemicals. Variations of bipyridine molecules are often used in the creation of herbicides and medications used to treat heart failure. The differences between these products are due to the position of the nitrogen atoms in the molecules and in the other atoms and molecules that are coupled with the bipyridines.

Bipyridine is a molecule made from carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. It is made up of two rings of the chemical pyridine, which is in the form of an interior circle of carbon atoms surrounded by a circle of hydrogen atoms. These atoms are attached to each other through electron bonds. When two of pyridine rings link together, they form a bipyridine molecule.

Medications derived from bipyridine increase heart functions by dilating blood vessels and increasing the strength of contractions in the heart.
Medications derived from bipyridine increase heart functions by dilating blood vessels and increasing the strength of contractions in the heart.

There are different variations of bipyridine. The differences between these molecules stem from the way the two pyridines line up in relation to the location of the nitrogen atom. In one variation, the pyridines connect through the carbon atoms adjacent to the nitrogen in the ring. This variation of the molecule is used in the creation of an herbicide called diquat which kills any plant that it is sprayed on.

Variations of bipyridine molecules may be used to treat heart failure.
Variations of bipyridine molecules may be used to treat heart failure.

In medicine, another variation of bipyridine is used in the creation of medicines called inamrinon and milrinone. Both of these medications are made from pyridine rings that are linked asymmetrically and which are then linked with other organic chemicals. These medicines are in the class of medicines known as lactates and are used in the treatment of emergency heart conditions.

Patients who are being treated with bipyridine often have their blood pressure monitored closely to ensure the medication is working properly.
Patients who are being treated with bipyridine often have their blood pressure monitored closely to ensure the medication is working properly.

When given in an emergency situation, medications derived from bipyridine increases heart function. They do this by dilating the blood vessels and by increasing the strength of the contractions in the heart. These two things together help increase blood flow in patients who are suffering from acute heart failure. They can be administered in oral and intravenous form.

Medications derived from bipyridine may be used in an emergency situation to increase heart function.
Medications derived from bipyridine may be used in an emergency situation to increase heart function.

Inamrinon and milrinone are only safe for short-term treatment of patients with heart failure. The medications are effective for about 48 hours, after which the risk of using them outweighs the benefits. Hospital monitoring is important for all patients who are given either of these drugs, as there can be serious side effects from their use.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Medications derived from bipyridine increase heart functions by dilating blood vessels and increasing the strength of contractions in the heart.
      By: adimas
      Medications derived from bipyridine increase heart functions by dilating blood vessels and increasing the strength of contractions in the heart.
    • Variations of bipyridine molecules may be used to treat heart failure.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Variations of bipyridine molecules may be used to treat heart failure.
    • Patients who are being treated with bipyridine often have their blood pressure monitored closely to ensure the medication is working properly.
      By: Wellford Tiller
      Patients who are being treated with bipyridine often have their blood pressure monitored closely to ensure the medication is working properly.
    • Medications derived from bipyridine may be used in an emergency situation to increase heart function.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Medications derived from bipyridine may be used in an emergency situation to increase heart function.