Medicine & USMLE

Prostaglandin Analogs (Epoprostenol, Iloprost)

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Respiratory Pharm
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  12. Prostaglandin Analogs (Epoprostenol, Iloprost)
  13. Theophylline

Summary

Prostacyclin analogs are a class of drugs containing the word stem -prost-, including epoprostenol and iloprost. These drugs act by mimicking the actions of prostacyclin, also known as prostaglandin I2, to induce arterial vasodilation. Clinically, prostacyclin analogs are most commonly used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Side effects are rare but include flushing and jaw pain.

Key Points

  • Epoprostenol, Iloprost (-prost)
    • Drug Names
      • - prost (epoprostenol, iloprost)
    • Mechanism:
      • Act as prostacyclin analogs
        • Cause arterial vasodilation
          • Especially vasodilation of the pulmonary arteries
        • Decrease platelet aggregation
    • Indications:
      • Treats Pulmonary Hypertension
        • Decreases pulmonary vascular resistance via vasodilation of the pulmonary arteries
    • Adverse effects
      • Jaw pain
      • Flushing