Index
It is a membrane enzyme responsible for the degradation of natriuretic peptides.
It is a new class of medicine that has been included in the treatment of heart failure. After ingestion, the medication induces two main effects.
These inhibitors are drugs used to control blood pressure.
However, the enzyme neprilysin prevents the clinical progression of surviving heart failure patients more effectively than commonly used inhibitors.
The other effect is that it strengthens the hormonal system regulated by the heart muscle itself, which releases natriuretic peptides.
The brain natriuretic peptide has multiple effects, such as vasodilation of blood vessels and natriuresis, which means more excellent elimination of salt by the kidney and an increase in urine output.
Neprilysin is an option for those patients who continue to have symptoms despite optimal recommended treatment.
Indications of neprilysin
In heart failure, the heart becomes weak, so it cannot send a sufficient supply of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body.
This medicine reduces stress on the heart by relaxing blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and reducing sodium and fluid build-up in the body.
How does this medicine help?
This drug has been shown to reduce death and hospitalization for heart failure compared to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
Side effects
Side effects can include:
- Low blood pressure .
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Angioedema is a rapid swelling of the face, neck, or tongue.
These effects can be severe. It is essential to inform a doctor immediately if the patient has any.
What to do if you experience side effects
It is essential to inform your doctor if you experience side effects. The doctor may adjust the dose or change the treatment to a different combination of drugs.
What dose of neprilysin should be ingested?
A specialized doctor must indicate what dose of this drug a patient should take and how many times a day he should take it.
The label on the bottle of this medicine should also tell you how many pills to take and how often. However, with time and the evolution of the results, your doctor may adjust your established dose.
It is necessary to ensure that the dose that the patient needs to take matches the strength of the tablets in the bottle.
If the strength of the tablet does not match the dose prescribed by the doctor, the patient may need to divide the pill and have only one part or take more than one pill.
It is essential always to remember to consult with a physician if the patient is unsure of their most recent enzyme dose.
How to take neprilysin?
It is advisable to take this medicine at the same time every day, with or without food, according to the doctor’s specifications.
Is a particular test necessary to prescribe this drug?
The doctor may ask the patient to check their blood pressure at home to ensure it is not too low.
The patient may also need a blood test to monitor his potassium levels and kidney function.
What are the consequences if the enzyme is not taken as directed?
The patient may not feel different in the short term if this drug is not taken as directed.
However, the patient will feel worse over time and have a higher risk of hospitalization. Also, heart failure will continue to progress.
Extra data
This medicine should not be taken with an ACE inhibitor.
