Ventavis
Ventavis - General Information
Ventavis is a synthetic analogue of prostacyclin PGI2. Ventavis dilates systemic and pulmonary arterial vascular beds. It is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Pharmacology of Ventavis
Ventavis is a synthetic analogue of prostacyclin PGI2. Ventavis dilates systemic and pulmonary arterial vascular beds. It also affects platelet aggregation but the relevance of this effect to the treatment of pulmonary hypertension is unknown. The two diastereoisomers of iloprost differ in their potency in dilating blood vessels, with the 4S isomer substantially more potent than the 4R isomer.
Ventavis for patients
Patients receiving Ventavis should be advised to use the drug only as prescribed with either of two pulmonary drug delivery devices, the I-neb® AAD® System or the Prodose® AAD® System, following the manufacturer's instructions . Patients should be trained in proper administration techniques including dosing frequency, ampule dispensing, I-neb® AAD® System or Prodose® AAD® System operation, and equipment cleaning.
Patients should be advised that they may have a fall in blood pressure with Ventavis, so they may become dizzy or even faint. They should stand up slowly when they get out of a chair or bed. If fainting gets worse, patients should consult their physicians about dose adjustment.
Patients should be advised that Ventavis should be inhaled at intervals of not less than 2 hours and that the acute benefits of Ventavis may not last 2 hours.
Ventavis Interactions
In studies in normal volunteers, there was no pharmacodynamic interaction between intravenous iloprost and either nifedipine, diltiazem, or captopril. However, iloprost has the potential to increase the hypotensive effect of vasodilators and antihypertensive agents. Since iloprost inhibits platelet function, there is a potential for increased risk of bleeding, particularly in patients maintained on anticoagulants. During clinical trials, iloprost was used concurrently with anticoagulants, diuretics, cardiac glycosides, calcium channel blockers, analgesics, antipyretics, nonsteroidal antiinflammatories, corticosteroids, and other medications. Intravenous infusion of iloprost had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin. Acetylsalicylic acid did not alter the clearance (pharmacokinetics) of iloprost. Although clinical studies have not been conducted, in vitro studies of iloprost indicate that no relevant inhibition of cytochrome P450 drug metabolism would be expected.
Ventavis Contraindications
There are no known contraindications.
Additional information about Ventavis
Ventavis Indication: Used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Mechanism Of Action: Ventavis is a second generation structural analog of prostacyclin (PGI) with about ten-fold greater potency than the first generation stable analogs, such as carbaprostacyclin. Ventavis binds with equal affinity to human prostacyclin (Prostanoid IP) and prostaglandin EP1 receptors. Ventavis constricts the ilium and fundus circular smooth muscle as strongly as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) itself. Ventavis inhibits the ADP, thrombin, and collagen-induced aggregation of human platelets. In whole animals, iloprost acts as a vasodilator, hypotensive, antidiuretic, and prolongs bleeding time. All of these properties help to antagonize the pathological changes that take place in the small pulmonary arteries of patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Iloprost
Synonyms: Not Available
Drug Category: Antihypertensive Agents
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Iloprost: Ventavis;
Absorption: Rapidly absorbed with bioavailability of 63%
Toxicity (Overdose): Overdoses can lead to hypotension, headache, flushing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Protein Binding: 60%
Biotransformation: Primarily hepatic. Iloprost is metabolized principally via beta-oxidation of the carboxyl side chain.
Half Life: 20-30 minutes
Dosage Forms of Ventavis: Solution Respiratory (inhalation)
Chemical IUPAC Name: (2-oxo-2-phenylethyl) (5Z)-5-[5-hydroxy-4-[(E)-3-hydroxy-4-methyloct-1-en-6-ynyl]-3,3a,4,5,6,6a-hexahydro-1H-pentalen-2-ylidene]pentanoate
Chemical Formula: C30H38O5
Iloprost on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloprost
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals