Nesiritide

Nesiritide (Natrecor®) is a medication used to treat acutely decompensated congestive heart failure with dyspnea at rest or with minimal exertion (such as talk, eating or bathing). A brain natriueretic peptide, nesiritide works to facilitate cardiovascular fluid homeostasis through counterregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldoesterone system, stimulating cyclic guanosine monophosphate, leading to smooth muscle cell relaxation. In simpler terms, it promotes vasodilation, natriuresis, and diuresis.

Administration

Nesiritide is only administered intravenously, usually by bolus, followed by IV infusion. For most adults and the elderly, a normal dosage is 2 micrograms/kilogram followed by a continuous IV infusion of 0.01 mcg/kg/minute. This may be increased every three hours for a maximum of 0.03 mcg/kg/min.

Side effects

Common side effects include:

Low blood pressure (11% of patients)
Headache
Nausea
Slow heart rate
More rare side effects include:

Confusion
paraesthesia
Somnolence
Tremors

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