What is the dosing standard for epoprostenol?

DOSING OF EPOPROSTENOL Epoprostenol is usually initiated at 2 ng/kg/min and the dose is gradually increased at increments of 1-2 ng/kg/min to achieve symptomatic relief. It is not uncommon for some patients to be on a dose of 40-70 ng/kg/min, or higher over time.

How is prostacyclin administered?

Pharmacokinetics. Epoprostenol is given by intravenous infusion. Unlike most other prostaglandins it is not significantly metabolised in the lung, as it is rapidly metabolised by hydrolysis in plasma and peripheral tissues, giving a very short half-life of about 3 minutes.

What is inhaled prostacyclin?

Conclusions: Inhaled prostacyclin seems to be a safe and effective pulmonary vasodilator for cardiothoracic surgical patients with pulmonary hypertension, refractory hypoxemia, or right heart dysfunction.

How do you administer epoprostenol?

Epoprostenol must be given continuously by a portable pump that is operated by a small computer. The medicine will be delivered directly to the heart through a catheter that will be inserted into a vein in the chest.

How do you use epoprostenol?

Epoprostenol is injected with an infusion pump, usually through a permanent central intravenous (IV) catheter placed into a large vein such as in your chest. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Is prostacyclin a vasodilator?

Prostacyclin (PGI2) generated by the vascular wall is a potent vasodilator, and the most potent endogenous inhibitor of platelet aggregation so far discovered. Prostacyclin inhibits platelet aggregation by increasing cyclic AMP levels.

What is parenteral prostacyclin?

Parenteral prostacyclin therapy is first-line for Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with severely limited functional status. There are two current pharmacologic options in this realm, intravenous epoprostenol and intravenous or subcutaneous treprostinil.

What is inhaled Flolan used for?

Background: Epoprostenol (Flolan), an inhalational epoprostenol vasodilator, increases pulmonary arterial flow and decreases pulmonary pressures, thereby improving gas exchange and arterial oxygenation.

How do you set up Flolan?

Dissolve contents of one 1.5-mg vial with 5 mL of sterile diluent. Withdraw entire vial contents and add sufficient sterile diluent to make a total of 100 mL. Higher concentrations may be prepared for patients who receive FLOLAN long-term.