Natrecor
Natrecor - General Information
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). Natrecor is the recombinant form of the 32 amino acid human B-type natriuretic peptide, which is normally produced by the ventricular myocardium.
Pharmacology of Natrecor
Natrecor 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.
Additional information about Natrecor
Natrecor Indication: For the intravenous treatment of patients with acutely decompensated congestive heart failure who have dyspnea at rest or with minimal activity.
Mechanism Of Action: Human BNP binds to the particulate guanylate cyclase receptor of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, leading to increased intracellular concentrations of guanosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and smooth muscle cell relaxation. Cyclic GMP serves as a second messenger to dilate veins and arteries. Natrecor has been shown to relax isolated human arterial and venous tissue preparations that were precontracted with either endothelin-1 or the alpha-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine. In human studies, nesiritide produced dose-dependent reductions in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and systemic arterial pressure in patients with heart failure. In animals, nesiritide had no effects on cardiac contractility or on measures of cardiac electrophysiology such as atrial and ventricular effective refractory times or atrioventricular node conduction. Naturally occurring atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a related peptide, increases vascular permeability in animals and humans and may reduce intravascular volume. The effect of nesiritide on vascular permeability has not been studied.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Nesiritide
Synonyms: BNP; Natriuretic peptides B; Brain natriuretic peptide 32
Drug Category: Cardiac drugs
Drug Type: Biotech; Approved; Investigational
Other Brand Names containing Nesiritide: Natrecor;
Absorption: Administration of nesiritide exhibits biphasic disposition from the plasma.
Toxicity (Overdose): No data are available with respect to overdosage in humans. The expected reaction would be excessive hypotension, which should be treated with drug discontinuation or reduction and appropriate measures.
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Nesiritide undergoes proteolytic cleavage of the peptide by endopeptidases, such as neutral endopeptidase, which are present on the vascular lumenal surface.
Half Life: Approximately 18 minutes
Dosage Forms of Natrecor: Powder, for solution Intravenous
Chemical IUPAC Name: Not Available
Chemical Formula: Not Available
Nesiritide on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nesiritide
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals
