Ventavis (Iloprost) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Ventavis

Pulmonary Hypertension »

What are pulmonary arteries?

The human body has two major sets of blood vessels that distribute blood from the heart to the body. One set pumps blood from the right heart to the lungs and the other from the left heart to the rest of the body.

The portion of the circulation that distributes oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart, throughout the body, is referred to as the systemic circulation.
The blood then returns from the body to the right side of the heart and passes through the lungs to replenish oxygen.
It then returns to the left side of the heart for another round through the systemic circulation.
The portion of the circulation that distributes the blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs is referred to as the pulmonary (lung) circulation.
The pulmonary arteries are the major blood vessels that carry blood from the rig...

Read the Pulmonary Hypertension article »

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Ventavis

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VENTAVIS
(iloprost) Inhalation Solution

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Ventavis (iloprost) Inhalation Solution is a clear, colorless, sterile solution containing iloprost formulated for inhalation via either of two pulmonary drug delivery devices: the I-neb® AAD® (Adaptive Aerosol Delivery) System or the Prodose® AAD® System. Ventavis (iloprost) is supplied in 1 mL single-use glass ampules containing either 10 mcg/mL or 20 mcg/mL.

For the 10 mcg/mL solution, one mL of the solution contains 0.01 mg iloprost, 0.81 mg ethanol, 0.121 mg tromethamine, 9.0 mg sodium chloride, and approximately 0.51 mg hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment to 8.1) in water for injection.

For the 20 mcg/mL solution, one mL of the solution contains 0.02 mg iloprost, 1.62 mg ethanol, 0.242 mg tromethamine, 9.0 mg sodium chloride, and approximately 0.76 mg hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment to 8.4) in water for injection.

The solution contains no preservatives.

The chemical name for iloprost is (E)-(3aS, 4R, 5R, 6aS)-hexahydro-5-hydroxy-4-[(E)(3S,4RS)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-1-octen-6-ynyl]-Δ^2(1H),Δ-pentalenevaleric acid. Iloprost consists of a mixture of the 4R and 4S diastereoisomers at a ratio of approximately 53:47. Iloprost is an oily substance, which is soluble in methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and pH 7 buffer, sparingly soluble in buffer pH 9, and very slightly soluble in distilled water, buffer pH 3, and buffer pH 5. The molecular formula of iloprost is C22H32O4. Its relative molecular weight is 360.49. The structural formula is shown below:

VENTAVIS (iloprost) Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of iloprost inhalation (Ventavis)?

Serious side effects from iloprost inhalation are not likely to occur. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to use iloprost inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience

dry mouth, nose, or throat after use;
coughing or throat irritation;
hoarseness or deepening of the voice;
headache,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Ventavis »

What are the precautions when taking iloprost (Ventavis)?

Before using iloprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood pressure, liver problems, kidney problems, bleeding problems, other breathing problems (such as asthma).

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your...

Read All Potential Precautions of Ventavis »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/4/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.