Iloprost

ATC CodeB01AC11, C02KX08
CAS number78919-13-8
PUB number5311181
Drugbank IDDB01088
Empirical formulaC22H32O4
Molar mass (g·mol−1)360,487
Physical stateliquid
Density (g·cm−3)1,2
Melting point (°C)-98
Boiling point (°C)57
PKS value4,66
Solubility0.00874 mg/mL

Basics

Iloprost is an active substance for the treatment of thrombangiitis obliterans and pulmonary hypertension. It belongs to the group of prostacyclin analogs and has a vasodilating and anti-platelet aggregation effect. Iloprost is available as an infusion solution concentrate and as a solution for nebulization. In medicines, it is usually present as iloprost trometamol and is hardly soluble in water.

Graphic structural formula of the active substance iloprost

Effect

Iloprost works by dilating the blood vessels. As an analog of prostacyclin, it mimics its effect. The exact mechanism has not yet been clarified, but it is assumed that iloprost inhibits the catecholamine outflow from nerve endings. It increases capillary density, which leads to reduced permeability. The active ingredient also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Iloprost is metabolized in the liver and excreted via the kidneys. The half-life of iloprost, i.e. the time it takes the body to excrete half of the active substance, is around 20-30 minutes.

Dosage

Always take Iloprost exactly as described in the package leaflet or as advised by your doctor.

Adults:

A usual recommended dose cannot be generalized for Iloprost, as the dosage varies depending on weight and underlying disease.

Side effects

The following side effects may occur:

Very common:

  • Headache
  • flushing
  • Nausea
  • vomiting
  • Excessive sweating

Frequent:

Occasional:

Rarely:

  • Disorders of the vestibule
  • cough
  • Inflammation of the rectal mucosa

Interactions

Interactions may occur if the following medicines are taken at the same time:

  • Blood pressure-lowering medication
  • Medication for blood clotting
  • Medication from the glucocorticoid group

Contraindications

Iloprost must NOT be taken in the following cases:

Age restriction

Iloprost should NOT be used under the age of 18 due to a lack of safety and efficacy studies.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Iloprost should NOT be used during pregnancy as adverse effects have been observed in animal studies in rats.

Iloprost should NOT be used during breastfeeding, as animal studies in rats have shown that the active substance passes into breast milk.

History of the active ingredient

Prostaglandins owe their name to their discoverers, Goldblatt and Ulf, who first described prostaglandins as components of sperm in 1933. They assumed that the vasculogenic properties originated from the prostate. This assertion later turned out to be wrong. Prostaglandins were first isolated in 1962 by Sune Bergström and Bengt Samuelsson.

Thomas Hofko

Thomas Hofko



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The presented content does not replace the original package insert of the medication, especially regarding the dosage and effects of individual products. We cannot assume liability for the accuracy of the data, as the data has been partially converted automatically. Always consult a doctor for diagnoses and other health-related questions.

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