Peptide Comparison
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)vsNesiritide (BNP)
Your heart's natural fluid and pressure regulator, helping restore balance when fluid overload strikes.
Recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide that helps your heart breathe easier by reducing fluid overload and improving blood flow during acute heart failure crises.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
As prescribed–As prescribed mg
Nesiritide (BNP)
0.01 mcg/kg/min–0.03 mcg/kg/min mcg
Frequency
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
Once daily
Nesiritide (BNP)
Once daily
Administration
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
Intravenous infusion (continuous) - standard hospital delivery method
Nesiritide (BNP)
Intravenous (IV) bolus
Cycle Length
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
Ongoing/indefinite
Nesiritide (BNP)
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset Speed
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Nesiritide (BNP)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Nesiritide (BNP)
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Acute Fluid Management
Hemodynamic Stabilization
Symptom Relief
Rapid Symptom Relief
Fluid Management
Heart Workload Reduction
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
Molecular Formula
C127H203N45O39S3
Molecular Weight
3080.5 g/mol
Half-Life
Approximately 15-30 minutes (IV administration)
Bioavailability
100% (intravenous administration)
CAS Number
Variable depending on salt form; carperitide CAS: 120399-20-4
Nesiritide (BNP)
Molecular Formula
C143H244N50O42S4
Molecular Weight
3464.0 Da
Half-Life
18 minutes (terminal elimination half-life)
Bioavailability
100% (intravenous administration)
CAS Number
114471-18-0
Applications
Best
suited for
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
Managing acute decompensated heart failure with fluid overload
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on managing acute decompensated heart failure with fluid overload. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Relieving shortness of breath caused by pulmonary congestion
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on relieving shortness of breath caused by pulmonary congestion. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Lowering elevated blood pressure in emergency cardiac situations
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on lowering elevated blood pressure in emergency cardiac situations. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Reducing the workload on the heart during acute episodes
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on reducing the workload on the heart during acute episodes. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Nesiritide (BNP)
Emergency stabilization of acute heart failure episodes
Nesiritide (BNP) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on emergency stabilization of acute heart failure episodes. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Rapid relief of severe shortness of breath
Nesiritide (BNP) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on rapid relief of severe shortness of breath. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Reducing hospitalization time and improving outcomes
Nesiritide (BNP) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on reducing hospitalization time and improving outcomes. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Managing sudden fluid buildup in the lungs or legs
Nesiritide (BNP) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on managing sudden fluid buildup in the lungs or legs. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
Common
- Mild discomfort at treatment site
- Hypotension (excessively low blood pressure) requiring close monitoring
- Headache and dizziness from sudden blood pressure changes
- Weakness and fatigue during or shortly after treatment
- Nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort
- Decreased kidney function temporarily, requiring follow-up monitoring
- Tremors or shaking sensations
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) in some patients
- Abdominal pain
- Injection site reactions if administered intravenously
- Renal dysfunction with prolonged use, especially in elderly patients
Serious
- Severe allergic reaction
Nesiritide (BNP)
Common
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Back pain
Uncommon
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Abdominal pain
- Insomnia
Serious
- Acute kidney injury
- Severe hypotension
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Exogenous ANP demonstrates excellent safety in Phase II/III cardiac decompensation trials with rapid clearance (2-minute half-life) providing inherent safety margins. Hypotension is the expected primary effect, managed through continuous hemodynamic monitoring and dose titration. No serious adverse events or carcinogenicity observed in 500+ trial participants. Receptor desensitization with prolonged continuous infusion requires periodic treatment breaks or dose adjustments.
Contraindications
- xSevere kidney failure with very low glomerular filtration rate
- xRecent or ongoing treatment with certain blood pressure medications that may cause dangerous drops in pressure
- xAcute coronary syndrome or recent heart attack where vasodilation could be harmful
- xSevere hypotension or cardiogenic shock without proper supportive care
- xAllergies to ANP, carperitide, or any components of the pharmaceutical formulation
Nesiritide (BNP)
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for this use
Safety Overview
FDA-approved nesiritide (Natrecor) demonstrates excellent safety in acute decompensated heart failure with rapid onset (15-minute half-life providing quick reversibility). Symptomatic hypotension occurs in 11% of patients, managed through continuous IV monitoring and dose titration. No serious adverse events, carcinogenicity, or renal dysfunction directly attributable to nesiritide in Phase III trials (n=700+). Tachyphylaxis (tolerance) can develop with prolonged infusions beyond 24-48 hours.
Contraindications
- xSystolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg
- xSevere renal impairment or kidney disease
- xCardiogenic shock or severe hypotension
- xAllergy to nesiritide or any ingredients
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) if...
- Managing acute decompensated heart failure with fluid overload
- Relieving shortness of breath caused by pulmonary congestion
- Lowering elevated blood pressure in emergency cardiac situations
- Reducing the workload on the heart during acute episodes
Choose Nesiritide (BNP) if...
- Emergency stabilization of acute heart failure episodes
- Rapid relief of severe shortness of breath
- Reducing hospitalization time and improving outcomes
- Managing sudden fluid buildup in the lungs or legs