Epoprostenol (Na)

Drug #280

During cardiac bypass procedures and charcoal hemoperfusion, Epoprostenol (Na) is used to preserve the platelet function. It may be used as an anticoagulant, as an alternative to heparin in renal dialysis.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Natural origin and belongs to Arachidonic Acid.

It belongs to PGI-II agonsit pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Prostaglandin pharmacological group. It is also classified under Sex Hormones .

Molecular Weight: 374.5 · Solubility in Water: soluble but unstable · Non-proprietary name: Epoprostenol (Na).

Molecular structure of Epoprostenol (Na)

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Epoprostenol (Na) has a plasma protein binding is not determined.

Elimination: it is metabolised via extensive by liver, plasma half-life is < 1.5 min, renal excretion is major.

Indications

Epoprostenol (Na) is primarily indicated in conditions like Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ards), Coronary artery disease, Heart failure, Peripheral vascular disease, Primary pulmonary hypertension, Raynaud's phenomenon.

Contraindications

Epoprostenol (Na) is contraindicated in conditions like Hemorrhagic diathesis.

Dosage

Epoprostenol (Na)'s dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
2.25 ng/kg.min	2.25 ng/kg.min	—	IV Inf	As Required
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Epoprostenol (Na) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Bradycardia , Low cardiac output, Vaso-vagal attacks, Severe hypertension. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Epoprostenol (Na) are Headache, Severe flushing, Abdominal cramps, Hypotension, Nausea, Vomiting.

Epoprostenol (Na) is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal colic, Flushing, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Abrupt discontinuation of epoprostenol therapy, including sudden reductions in dosage and interuptions in drug delivery may result in symptoms of rebound pulmonary hypertension. Epoprostenol can cause hypotension, it should be used cautiously with other hypotensive drugs to avoid additive effects. Epoprostenol should not be used chronically in patients who develop pulmonary edema (may be associated with veno-occlusive disease) during dose ranging.

Interference in Pathology

Epoprostenol (Na) may interfere in the diagnosis of Increased Alkaline Phosphatase , Liver Function Test (LFT) , Increased level of alanine aminotransferase, Increased level of Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations, Increased in serum creatinin.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Epoprostenol (Na) should be stored Inj (reconstituted soln). Vial.

Drug Classification

1.20 — Muscle relaxants and cholinesterase inhibitors