View source for Epoprostenol (prostacyclin)

''Epoprostenol = prostacyclin (naturally-occurring PGI<sub>2</sub>) in medication form''
 
==Administration==
*Type: Prostaglandin
*Dosage Forms:
*Routes of Administration: IV, nebulized
*Common Trade Names: Flolan

==Adult Dosing==
*IV: 2 ng/kg/min initially, titrate upward by 2 ng/kg/min q15m until intolerance or dose-limiting effects occur. Avoid abrupt withdrawal: gradually decrease dose by 2ng/kg/min q15min.
*Nebulized: dosing not well standardized, usually 12.5-50 ng/kg/min
==Pediatric Dosing==
''Safety/efficacy not well established (though some PICUs do use it)''
==Special Populations==
*[[Drug Ratings in Pregnancy|Pregnancy Rating]]: B
*[[Lactation risk categories|Lactation risk]]: Infant risk cannot be ruled out
===Renal Dosing===
*Adult:
*Pediatric:
===Hepatic Dosing===
*Adult:
*Pediatric:

==Contraindications==
*Allergy to class/drug
*LV failure
==Adverse Reactions==
===Serious===
*Hemorrhage
*Hypersplenism
*Infection
===Common===
*Tachycardia, bradyarrythmia
*Hypotension
*Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
*Flushing
*Headache, dizziness
*Musculoskeletal pain
==Pharmacology==
*Half-life: ~6 min
*Metabolism: Extensively and rapidly metabolized in blood
*Excretion: Mostly renal

==Mechanism of Action==
*Prostaglandin→ stimulates vasodilation of pulmonary and systemic arteries. Also inhibits platelet aggregation.
==Comments==

==See Also==
*[[Pulmonary hypertension]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Pharmacology]]