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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM › CARDIAC THERAPY › CARDIAC STIMULANTS EXCL. CARDIAC GLYCOSIDES › Other cardiac stimulants
levosimendan
C01CX08
Forms & Strengths
- 5 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL concentrate for infusion
- Oral formulations not available in the US
- Available in 1 mL, 2 mL, 5 mL and 10 mL vials
Adult Dosing
- Loading dose: 6-12 mcg/kg over 10 minutes
- Infusion dose: 0.1 mcg/kg/minute for up to 24 hours
- Titrate to hemodynamic response or side effects
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients
- Limited data available for use in pediatric heart failure or cardiac surgery
- Dosing regimens not established for children
Indications
- Short-term treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure
- Inotropic support in cardiac surgery
- Treatment of advanced heart failure
Mechanism of Action
- Calcium sensitizer
- Increases cardiac contractility without increasing oxygen demand
- Opens potassium channels, leading to vasodilation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levosimendan or any component
- Symptomatic hypotension or cardiogenic shock
- Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
Adverse Reactions
- Headache
- Hypotension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and fatigue
Drug Interactions
- Increased risk of hypotension with other vasodilators
- Potential for increased QT interval with class I and III antiarrhythmics
- Concomitant use with phosphodiesterase inhibitors may increase inotropic effects
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use