Natrecor (nesiritide) relaxes and dilates blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
Natrecor is used to improve breathing in people with congestive heart failure (CHF).
Natrecor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Natrecor if you are allergic to nesiritide, or if you have very low blood pressure.
Before you receive Natrecor, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
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 Natrecor.
Before receiving Natrecor
You should not receive Natrecor if you are allergic to nesiritide, or if you have very low blood pressure.
To make sure you can safely receive Natrecor, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
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 Natrecor will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this Natrecor.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether nesiritide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is Natrecor given?
Natrecor is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.
Natrecor 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 Natrecor.
Natrecor dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:
Bolus: 2 mcg/kg infused over 60 seconds
Continuous Infusion: 0.01 mcg/kg/min
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Natrecor is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Natrecor side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Natrecor: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have:
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confusion, feeling light-headed, fainting;
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fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats;
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urinating less than usual;
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chest pain; or
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fever, unusual weakness or tiredness.
Common Natrecor side effects may include:
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Natrecor?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially medication to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Other drugs may interact with Natrecor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.
