Drug reference
levosimendan
Calcium sensitizer, PDE3 inhibitor · Positive inotropic agent, Vasodilator, Agent for acute heart failure
Calcium sensitizer, PDE3 inhibitorPositive inotropic agent, Vasodilator, Agent for acute heart failure
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Levosimendan increases the sensitivity of contractile myofilaments to Ca2+ by binding to troponin C, enhancing force for a given Ca2+ concentration. It also has selective and potent inhibitory effects on PDE3.
Indications
acute heart failure (approved in some countries, not U.S.)
Contraindications
- systolic pressure less than 85 mm Hg
Side effects
Serious
- increased rates of arrhythmia and death
Related guidelines
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Updated: 2026-05-10