The Effect of Flosequinan (BTS 49 465) in Patients with Heart Failure

Hemodynamic effects of flosequinan (BTS 49 465), a new vasodilator, were studied in 29 patients with severe heart failure. During right heart catheterization by Swan-Ganz catheter, a single 100mg dose of flosequinan was orally administered, and pertinent hemodynamic parameters were obtained serially for 24hr after administration. Flosequinan produced significant increases in cardiac index and stroke index (16% and 12%, respectively, P<0.01 and P<0.05), and significant (P<0.001) decreases in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (-7.7mmHg, 41%), mean pulmonary artery pressure (-7.2mmHg, 23%), and right atrial pressure (-3.2mmHg, 43%). Systemic vascular resistance was significantly (P<0.05) decreased by 13%. The hemodynamic changes were observed 30min after adminis tration and peaked at 2hr, persisting for 24hr. Blood pressure and heart rate showed minimal changes during the study period, although the changes were significant at 2hr after administration.These results indicate that flosequinan exerts sustained beneficial hemodynamic effects on heart failure with once-a-day oral administration.