Integrated pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the novel calcium sensitizer levosimendan as assessed by systolic time intervals.

Abstract

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.