Nesiritide is the recombinant form of the 32 amino acid human B-type natriuretic peptide, which is normally produced by the ventricular myocardium. Nesiritide works to facilitate cardiovascular fluid homeostasis through counterregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldoesterone system, stimulating cyclic guanosine monophosphate, leading to smooth muscle cell relaxation. Neseritide was believed initially to be beneficial for acute decompensated congestive heart failure. Nesiritide is only administered intravenously, usually by bolus, followed by IV infusion. Nesiritide may offer tolerability and practical advantages over currently used vasodilators, inodilators and inotropes in this condition; in particular, nesiritide does not appear to have proarrhythmic effects. Nesiritide also appears to be effective and well tolerated in patients receiving concomitant beta-blocker therapy and in patients with renal insufficiency.
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