Levosimendán
Levosimendán Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Levosimendán is a brand name. Its generic name is Levosimendan.
Levosimendán Introduction
Levosimendán (INN, trade name Simdax) is a calcium sensitizer, inotropic vasodilator drug used in the management of acutely decompensated, severe chronic heart failure. It is principally used in Intensive Care Units. Its use is contraindicated in people with tachyarrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.
Uses for Levosimendán
Levosimendán is used to improve cardiac function and metabolism in people with acute heart failure due to systolic left ventricular dysfunction. It can also be used in critically ill patients with severe heart failure, and in people undergoing cardiac surgery. It has been used to reduce time spent in the intensive care unit and to reduce the need for inotropic medicines.
Mechanism of Action
Levosimendán works by activating calcium-sensitizing receptors, which increases contractility of the heart. It also decreases vascular resistance by opening up the vessels, thus improving cardiac output and perfusion. The drug can be used to reduce left ventricular end-diastolic volume, and to reduce the afterload of the heart.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
Levosimendán typically starts working within minutes of administration. The effects usually last 6-12 hours.
Absorption
Levosimendán is rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration, with plasma levels reaching peak within 5 minutes.
Route of Elimination
Levosimendán is eliminated mainly by hepatic metabolism, with minor urinary elimination.
Dosage
Levosimendán is usually administered as an intravenous bolus dose of 0.05-0.2 mg/kg over 10 minutes, followed by a continuous intravenous infusion of 0.2-0.8 µg/kg/minute for up to 24 hours. In patients supported by an intra-aortic balloon pump, the dose should be reduced.
Administration
Levosimendán should be administered intravenously, either as a bolus dose or as a continuous infusion.
Side Effect
Common side effects of levosimendan include hypotension, headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, bradycardia, and skin flushing.
Toxicity
Overdose or adverse reactions to Levosimendán can lead to serious adverse reactions. Symptoms of overdose include extreme hypotension, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, and pulmonary edema.
Precaution
Levosimendán should be used cautiously in people with a history of ventricular arrhythmias, liver or renal impairment, and sulfonamide hypersensitivity.
Interaction
Levosimendán may interact with other cardiovascular medications, antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, and antibiotics or antifungal agents.
Disease Interaction
Levosimendán may worsen the symptoms or course of certain medical conditions, such as arrhythmia, hypertension, and renal impairment.
Drug Interaction
Levosimendán may interact with other cardiovascular medications, antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, and antibiotics or antifungals.
Food Interactions
No data is available about food interactions with levosimendan.
Pregnancy Use
It is not recommended to use levosimendan during pregnancy due to the potential risk of fetal harm.
Lactation Use
Levosimendán is excreted in human milk and cannot be used in breastfeeding mothers.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include extreme hypotension, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, and pulmonary edema.
Contraindication
Levosimendán is contraindicated in people with tachyarrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.
Use Direction
Levosimendán should be administered intravenously, either as a bolus dose or as a continuous infusion.
Storage Condition
Levosimendán should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of levosimendan is approximately 17 to 29 L/kg
Half Life
The half-life of levosimendan is approximately 6-9 hours, with a range of 2.5-14.5 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of levosimendan is approximately 8-10 L/h/kg.
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