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Iloprost - Learn about Iloprost Side Effects and Precautions

Iloprost Information

The pharmacology action of Iloprost is that it dilates systemic and pulmonary arterial vascular beds.

Iloprost is used treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

on coagulopathies (DIC); prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and PE.

Interaction and Contraindication of Iloprost

Interaction of Iloprost - Anticoagulants:  Because iloprost inhibits platelet function, the risk of bleeding may be increased.
Antihypertensive agents, vasodilators:  The hypotensive effects of these agents may be increased by iloprost.

Contraindication of Iloprost - Standard considerations.

Side Effects o f Iloprost

Here are the list of some common side effects ofIloprost :

• Vasodilation/flushing (27%); hypotension (11%); syncope (8%); palpitations (7%); chest pain, CHF, supraventricular tachycardia.
• Headache (30%); insomnia (8%).
• Nausea (13%); vomiting (7%).
• Kidney failure.
  Increased alkaline phosphatase, increased gamma-glutamyltransferase (6%).

Precaution and Warning while taking Iloprost

The precaution and warnings of Iloprost drug is as follows:

• Ensure patient or caregiver has been trained in proper administration techniques, including dosing frequency, opening ampules, transferring solution, disposal of empty ampule, Prodose ADD system operation, and equipment cleaning and maintenance.
• To avoid interruptions in therapy caused by equipment malfunction, ensure patient or caregiver has easy access to a back-up Prodose ADD system.
• Caution patient or caregiver to avoid oral ingestion or skin or eye contact with iloprost. Advise patient if accidental skin or eye contact occurs to flush the exposed area with water.
• Caution patient or caregiver not to put any other medications in the Prodose ADD system while using iloprost.
• Advise patient or caregiver that iloprost should be inhaled at intervals of no less than 2 hr and that the beneficial effects of iloprost may not last 2 hr. Caution patient or caregiver not to increase the frequency of administration if beneficial effects are not lasting the entire time between treatments.
• Caution patient not to change the dose or stop taking unless advised by health care provider.
• Caution patient or caregiver that BP may fall during, or shortly after, iloprost administration and that dizziness or fainting can occur. Advise patient to stand up slowly when getting out of a chair or bed. Advise patient or caregiver to notify health care provider if dizziness gets worse, or if fainting occurs.
• Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Instruct patient not to take any prescription or OTC medications, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.
• Advise patient that follow-up visits will be required to monitor therapy and to keep appointments.

How to store Iloprost

• Do not administer iloprost inhalation solution with any aerosol generating device other than the Prodose ADD system, or together with other aerosolized medications.
• Do not allow iloprost solution to come into contact with the skin or eyes. If accidental skin or eye contact occurs, flush exposed areas with water.
• Administer iloprost 6 to 9 times/day (no more often than q 2 hr) during waking hours. Dose and frequency of administration vary, based upon individual patient need and tolerability.
• Open ampule by holding bottom of ampule with blue dot facing away from body, wrapping the included rubber pad around the entire ampule using other hand, then, using thumbs, breaking open the neck of the ampule by snapping the top of the ampule toward the body.
• Transfer entire contents of 1 opened ampule of iloprost into the Prodose ADD system medication chamber immediately before use and safely dispose of empty ampule.
• Administer iloprost following instructions provided by the manufacturer for administration of iloprost using the Prodose ADD system.
• Discard any remaining solution in the medication chamber following each inhalational session. Use of remaining solution for next inhalational session will result in unpredictable dosing.