Nesiritide (Natrecor): a new treatment for acutely decompensated congestive heart failure.

The care of the patient experiencing acutely decompensated congestive heart failure requires therapies that promote vasodilation and increase cardiac output while decreasing symptomatic hypotension and dysrhythmias. Nesiritide (Natrecor) is a new type of drug, recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide (hBNP), approved for use in acutely decompensated congestive heart failure. The neurohormonal effects of endogenous BNP are reproduced by nesiritide. Indications, dosing, administration, and review of clinical trials are presented in this article.