Clinical data | |
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Pronunciation | e" poe pros' ten nol |
Trade names | Flolan, Veletri, others |
Other names | Prostacyclin, prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
License data | |
Pregnancy category |
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Drug class | Prostaglandin[1] |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Elimination half-life | 42 seconds |
Identifiers | |
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Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C20H32O5 |
Molar mass | 352.471 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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Epoprostenol, also known as prostacyclin, is a medication and naturally occurring substance in the human body.[3] As a medication it used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).[2] It may also be used during dialysis when heparin cannot be used to prevent platelet aggregation.[1] It may be given by continuous injection into a vein or inhaled.[2][1]
Common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle pain, flushing, fast heart rate, and low blood pressure.[2] Other side effects may include bleeding.[2] There is no evidence of harm in pregnancy, but such use has not been well studied.[4] It is a prostaglandin and works by blocking platelet aggregation and dilating blood vessels.[1]
Epoprostenol was approved for medical use in the United States in 1995.[2] It is available as a generic medication.[1] In the United Kingdom 1.5 mg costs the NHS about £45 as of 2021.[1] In the United States this amount costs about 50 USD.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f BNF 81: March-September 2021. BMJ Group and the Pharmaceutical Press. 2021. p. 124. ISBN 978-0857114105.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Epoprostenol Monograph for Professionals". Drugs.com. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ "Prostacyclin Analogs". LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 2012. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ "Epoprostenol Use During Pregnancy". Drugs.com. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ "Epoprostenol Prices, Coupons & Patient Assistance Programs". Drugs.com. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 15 December 2021.