Iloprost inhalation solution for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2005 Sep;6(11):1921-30. doi: 10.1517/14656566.6.11.1921.

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a condition that is characterised by increased pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular resistance that can lead to right ventricular failure and death. A variety of disturbances in pulmonary vascular endothelial and smooth muscle function are present in PAH, including reduced production of vasodilator and antiproliferative substances, such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, and an overproduction of mitogens, such as endothelin. As a result of these observations, therapies have been developed for PAH that specifically target these pathogenic processes, including prostacyclin analogues and endothelin receptor antagonists. This article reviews iloprost inhalation solution, the most recently approved form of prostacyclin therapy that is delivered directly to the lungs by inhalation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Iloprost / administration & dosage
  • Iloprost / pharmacology
  • Iloprost / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Pulmonary Circulation / drug effects
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Solutions
  • Vascular Resistance / drug effects
  • Vasodilator Agents / administration & dosage
  • Vasodilator Agents / pharmacology
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Solutions
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Iloprost