DRUG SUPPLIED DOSE COMMENTS
EPOPROSTENOL (Paeds)
(Prostacyclin, PGI2, Flolan)

Mechanism of action:

A prostaglandin that inhibits platelet activation and is an effective vasodilator. Used for treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension.



Ref: 44, 651


Last update: 2022-06-22		 injection:  0.5 mg, 1.5 mg vials plus 50 mL diluent

1 microgram = 1000 nanograms (ng)

Standard Concentration:
10 mcg/mL
Note: doses are in nanograms (1 mcg = 1000 ng)

Pulmonary Hypertension

Dose-finding study (during cardiac catheterization):
Initial: 2 ng/kg/min.
Titrate in increments of 2 ng/kg/minute at > 15 min. intervals until dose-limiting pharmacological effects occur (see comments)

Maintenance Continuous Infusion:
Initial: 1-2 ng/kg/min. Infusion rates gradually increase  by 2 ng/kg/min over time to maintain clinical response or adverse effects appear.

Maximum dose: 120 ng/kg/min		 Used for pulmonary hypertension. Consultation with Pulmonary Hypertension specialist required.

Refer to Parenteral Manual for guidelines.

Adverse effects include hypotension and tachycardia. Dose limiting pharmacological effects include agitation, hypotension, chest pain, dizziness, bradycardia, headache, flushing, nausea, and vomiting.

Bleeding may occur at doses > 20 ng/kg/min due to platelet inhibition.

Abrupt withdrawal (e.g. infusion pump failure) must be avoided as it may result in rebound pulmonary hypertension with dyspnea, dizziness and weakness.

Half life = 2-5 minutes.


Standard Prescription:

epoprostenol__ ng/kg/min continuous IV infusion