Nesiritide

Brand names: Natrecor®

Drug Forms:
• Nesiritide, BNP injection (below)
• Nesiritide (E. coli) Solution for injection

Espa�ol:
• Inyección de nesiritide, BNP (péptido natriurético cerebral tipo B)
• Nesiritide (E.coli) Solución para inyección

Nesiritide, BNP injection

What is nesiritide, BNP injection?

NESIRITIDE, BNP (Natrecor®) is a type of vasodilator which is given into the veins. This drug relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. Nesiritide infusions are used to help treat severely worsened congestive heart failure. The medicine may help to improve your breathing and other symptoms. Generic nesiritide injections are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• dizziness or fainting spells when rising from a sitting position
• diseases of the heart, brain, or blood vessels
• kidney disease
• lung disease
• low blood pressure, or low blood volume
• an unusual or allergic reaction to nesiritide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Nesiritide is for infusion into a vein. It will be given to you by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with nesiritide injection?

• anesthetics used in surgery
• dexmedetomidine (an intravenous sedative)
• inamrinone or milrinone (these infusions also sometimes used for heart failure)
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for pain (especially injectable pain medications)
• nitrates (examples include nitroglycerin or isosorbide)
• nitroprusside
• sildenafil (Viagra®)
• 'water pills' (diuretics)

Viagra® (sildenafil) should not be taken within 24 hours of this medication to avoid side effects such as low blood pressure.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking nesiritide injection?

You will be closely monitored by a health care professional while you receive the nesiritide infusion. Your blood pressure, heart function, and breathing will be monitored for signs of improvement in the heart failure.

You may get dizzy; to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving nesiritide injection?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• chest pain
• confusion
• decrease in the amount of urine passed
• dizziness or fainting
• fever
• irregular, slow or fast heartbeat, palpitations
• low blood pressure
• skin rash or itching or other unusual skin reaction
• numbness, tingling, cramps, pain or weakness in the hands, legs, or feet
• trembling or shakiness
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• back pain
• difficulty sleeping
• drowsiness
• headache
• nausea
• nervousness
• slight redness or swelling at the injection site
• stomach pain
• sweating

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. You will not be given nesiritide to use at home. This drug is usually given only in a hospital or clinic setting.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.