Epoprostenol sodium

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Epoprostenol Sodium is a synthetic form of prostacyclin, a naturally occurring substance in the body that inhibits platelet aggregation and causes vasodilation. It is primarily used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Epoprostenol Sodium works by dilating the blood vessels in the lungs, reducing the workload on the heart and improving its efficiency. This helps to decrease symptoms such as shortness of breath and tiredness, and can improve exercise capacity.

Clinical Use[edit | edit source]

Epoprostenol Sodium is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and to prevent thrombosis in patients undergoing dialysis. It is also used off-label for the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of Epoprostenol Sodium include headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious side effects can include hypotension, sepsis, and bleeding.

Dosage[edit | edit source]

The dosage of Epoprostenol Sodium is individualized for each patient based on their body weight and the severity of their condition. It is administered intravenously, usually through a permanent central venous catheter.

History[edit | edit source]

Epoprostenol Sodium was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995 for the treatment of PAH. It is marketed under the brand name Flolan.

See Also[edit | edit source]

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