Natrecor

Generic Name: nesiritide (ness EAR a tide)

Brand Names: Natrecor

What is nesiritide?

Nesiritide relaxes and dilates blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

Nesiritide is used to improve breathing in people with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Nesiritide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about nesiritide?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nesiritide, or if you have very low blood pressure. If you have kidney disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication. Tell your doctor about any heart problems you currently have or have had in the past. There are certain heart conditions that could make it dangerous for you to receive nesiritide.

Nesiritide is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion. The needle will remain in place while you receive the medication continuously for up to 48 hours.

Your blood pressure will be checked often while you are receiving nesiritide.

Call your doctor at once if you have dizziness, chest pain, fast heart rate, or confusion shortly after you receive nesiritide. Other serious side effects include feeling light-headed, fainting, coughing up blood, fever, pale skin, easy bruising, or unusual weakness.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving nesiritide?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nesiritide, or if you have very low blood pressure. If you have kidney disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication. Tell your doctor about any heart problems you currently have or have had in the past. There are certain heart conditions that could make it dangerous for you to receive nesiritide. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether nesiritide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether nesiritide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is nesiritide given?

Nesiritide is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Nesiritide must be given slowly through an IV infusion. The needle will remain in place while you receive the medication continuously for up to 48 hours.

Your blood pressure will be checked often while you are receiving nesiritide.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medication is given for only a short time while you are in a hospital or clinic setting, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Tell your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling light-headed or fainting.

What should I avoid while receiving nesiritide?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Nesiritide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  dizziness, chest pain, fast heart rate, or confusion shortly after you receive nesiritide;

  
  


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  feeling light-headed, fainting;

  
  


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  coughing up blood; or

  
  


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  fever, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual weakness.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  pain, itching, or swelling where the IV needle was placed;

  
  


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  numbness or tingling;

  
  


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  drowsiness;

  
  


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  tremors or shaking;

  
  


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  cough;

  
  


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  increased sweating;

  
  


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  skin rash or itching;

  
  


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  leg cramps; or

  
  


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  blurred vision.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect nesiritide?

Before receiving nesiritide, tell your doctor if you are using any blood pressure medications (to treat hypertension).

There may be other drugs that can interact with nesiritide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Natrecor resources

• Natrecor Side Effects (in more detail)
• Natrecor Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Natrecor Drug Interactions
• Natrecor Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Natrecor - Add your own review/rating

• Natrecor Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Natrecor Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Natrecor Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Natrecor Consumer Overview


• Natrecor MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Nesiritide Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Natrecor with other medications

• Heart Failure

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about nesiritide.

See also: Natrecor side effects (in more detail)