Levosimendan
Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer used for the short-term treatment of acute decompensated heart failure when standard therapies are insufficient. It improves cardiac contractility while reducing afterload, enhancing heart function without significantly increasing myocardial oxygen demand.
Levosimendan is an IV medication used to treat acute heart failure by improving cardiac function through calcium sensitization.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CX08
- RxNorm
- 73107
- Generic
- Levosimendan
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of acute decompensated heart failure in hospitalized patients who require inotropic support, particularly when conventional therapies such as digoxin, diuretics, and vasodilators have not provided adequate response.
Levosimendan binds to cardiac troponin C, increasing calcium sensitivity of the heart muscle, which enhances contractility. It also opens ATP-sensitive potassium channels, causing vasodilation and reducing cardiac afterload.
Administered intravenously under hospital supervision due to risk of hypotension and potential for arrhythmias. Contraindicated in patients with severe mechanical obstruction affecting ventricular filling or outflow. May cause headache, hypotension, and hypokalemia. Not typically used in renal impairment without careful monitoring.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy