Int J Clin Pharm Th
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Int J Clin Pharm Th · Aug 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialThe hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between chronic use of oral levosimendan and digoxin in patients with NYHA Classes II-III heart failure.
Levosimendan is a calcium-sensitizing drug for the treatment of heart failure. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess the hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between digoxin and oral levosimendan as well as the proarrhythmic potential of this combination in patients with chronic heart failure. ⋯ The addition of oral levosimendan to digoxin therapy produced only a modest statistically nonsignificant additive inotropic effect. In contrast to the earlier data with intravenous levosimendan, the results indicate a pharmacokinetic interaction between levosimendan and digoxin. Data obtained from repolarization analyses and ambulatory ECG did not indicate any possible proarrhythmic effects of the combination.