Int J Clin Pharm Th
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Int J Clin Pharm Th · Dec 1998
Integrated pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the novel calcium sensitizer levosimendan as assessed by systolic time intervals.
Levosimendan is a new calcium sensitizer, acting calcium-dependently on cardiac troponin C. In the present study pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic interrelations of levosimendan were assessed. ⋯ In conclusion, the pharmacokinetic-dynamic behavior of the inotropy index QS2i indicates an equilibration delay of levosimendan, which most probably reflects the time the drug requires to distribute from plasma to its cardiac site of action. The deviant kinetic-dynamic profile of the oral slow-release formulation suggests a different absorption pattern of levosimendan from this formulation.