Epoprostenol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug is Epoprostenol?

What is epoprostenol for?

This medicine is commonly used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). This medication can help improve your ability to exercise and reduce symptoms of shortness of breath and fatigue. This drug works to relax and dilate blood vessels (arteries) in the lungs and other parts of the body so that blood can flow more easily. This drug belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators.

How do I use epoprostenol?

When you first use this drug, usually the doctor at the hospital or clinic will give you this medicine. This medication is given by injection into a vein using an infusion or as directed by your doctor.

Follow all instructions from your doctor on the correct way to prepare this medicine and use an infusion pump. Learn how to care for your injection site and avoid getting infected. Also learn how to store and dispose of needles and medical supplies safely. Before using the medicine, check this product to see if any particles or discoloration has occurred. If you find any of these, do not use this drug and contact your healthcare professional immediately. If you have questions about the use of drugs or infusion pumps, consult your health care professional.

Do not decrease the dose or stop using this drug suddenly as this could have serious effects such as worsening your condition. If you must stop this drug, take it gradually by reducing the dose as directed by your doctor. immediately consult your doctor if your infusion is interrupted or if you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, or weakness. To avoid interruptions in drug therapy, you must have backup pumps and infusion pumps in case the equipment you are using does not work. Consult your healthcare professional or doctor for more information.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, body weight, and response to treatment. Your doctor may also recommend that you take additional medications to make healing easier. Take all medications exactly as directed by your doctor.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

How do I store epoprostenol?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Epoprostenol dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for epoprostenol for adults?

Adult Dose for Pulmonary Hypertension

Acute Initial Dose: 2 ng / kg / min and can be increased incrementally from 2 ng / kg / min every 15 minutes or so until a dose limiting pharmacological effect is obtained.

The mean maximum dose that did not cause a pharmacological effect of dose restriction was 8.6 ng / kg / min.

Continued chronic infusion: 4 ng / kg / min less than the maximum tolerable infusion rate prescribed during the time this dose is started.

If the maximum tolerated infusion rate is less than 5 ng / kg / minute, chronic infusion should be started at one-half of the maximum tolerated infusion rate. During clinical trials, the initial mean chronic infusion dose was 5 ng / kg / min.

What is the dose of epoprostenol for children?

Through blood vessels

Pulmonary hypertension

Children: Initial dose 2 ng / kg / min and can be increased as needed to a dose of 40 ng / kg / min. Long-term treatment can tolerate epoprostenol and additional doses up to 120 ng / kg / min may be required.

In what dosage is epoprostenol available?

Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous: 0.5 mg, 1.5 mg

Epoprostenol side effects

What side effects can I experience due to epoprostenol?

Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, flushing, sweating, stomach pain, jaw pain, muscle / joint pain, or pain, redness and swelling at the injection site.

Seek medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as hives. hard to breath; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as:

• fever, flu symptoms, mouth and throat sores, fast heart rate, rapid and short breaths, fainting
• chest pain, trouble breathing
• fast, slow, or uneven heart rate
• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red spots under your skin;
• bloody urine or stools
• coughing up blood
• felt like passing out
• numb
• increased sensitivity in parts of your body.

Less serious side effects:

• hot, red, or tingly face
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
• headache or jaw pain
• joint or muscle pain
• dizziness, sweating
• feeling anxious, restless, or restless

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Warnings and Cautions Epoprostenol

What should be known before using epoprostenol?

Before starting treatment, you should tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to epoprostenol, any of these ingredients, or to other drugs (such as treprostinil), if you have had congestive heart failure caused by problems with the left heart, or if You have previously used this medicine and have a build-up of fluid in your lungs (pulmonary edema).

Is epoprostenol safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Drug Interactions of Epoprostenol

What medicines may interact with epoprostenol?

Although there are certain drugs that should not be used together with this drug, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if an interaction is possible. In this case, your doctor may want to change the dose, or take other precautions that may be needed.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Desvenlafaxine
• Duloxetine
• Milnacipran
• Venlafaxine

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Digoxin

Can food or alcohol interact with epoprostenol?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with epoprostenol?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• severe congestive heart failure
• pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) - should not be used in patients with this condition

Epoprostenol overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.