Nesiritide
Also known as: Natrecor, Recombinant human BNP, rhBNP
Recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide once given IV for acute heart failure. FDA-approved as Natrecor (2001); now discontinued in the US.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
Nesiritide is a recombinant form of human B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a 32-amino-acid hormone released by stretched heart muscle. It binds natriuretic peptide receptor-A, raising intracellular cyclic GMP, which relaxes arterial and venous smooth muscle. The result is lower cardiac filling pressures and some increase in sodium excretion, which was intended to relieve breathlessness in decompensated heart failure.
- Half-life
- ~18 minutes (IV)
- Administration Routes
- Intravenous
- Research Status
- Clinical
Reported Benefits
- Former approved use: dyspnea in acutely decompensated heart failure
- Lowers pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (VMAC trial)
- ASCEND-HF found no effect on death or rehospitalization
Potential Side Effects
- Hypotension (most common)
- Worsening kidney function (debated in trials)
- Headache
- Nausea
Common Dosing
When marketed, nesiritide was given only in hospital as an intravenous bolus followed by a continuous infusion, with close blood-pressure monitoring. It is no longer sold in the US. Dosing is set and supervised by the prescribing clinician.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Cardiogenic shock
- Low baseline systolic blood pressure
- Known hypersensitivity to nesiritide
No documented stacking partners for Nesiritide yet.