Description
Flolan is a prescription medication used primarily to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs' arteries, which can lead to shortness of breath, dizziness, and heart failure.
Epoprostenol works by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs, reducing the workload on the heart, and improving blood flow. This action helps alleviate the symptoms of PAH and enhances the patient's quality of life.
Fact Table
|
Formula
|
C20H32O5
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License
|
US FDA, EMA
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Bioavailability
|
N/A (administered intravenously)
|
Legal status
|
Prescription only (?)
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Chemical Name
|
(5Z,9a,11a,13E,15S)-6,9-Epoxy-11,15-dihydroxyprosta-5,13-dien-1-oic acid
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Elimination half-life
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2-3 minutes
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Dosage (Strength)
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0.5 mg and 1.5 mg powder for injection
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Pregnancy
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Consult a doctor
|
Brands
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Flolan, Veletri
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Protein binding
|
81%
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PubChem CID
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5280723
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MedlinePlus
|
a601128
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ChEBI
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CHEBI:31748
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ATC code
|
B01AC09
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DrugBank
|
DB01240
|
KEGG
|
D00094
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Routes of administration
|
Intravenous
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Directions
Flolan is administered via continuous intravenous infusion using a portable infusion pump. The dosage and infusion rate are determined by a healthcare provider based on the patient's condition, response to treatment, and other factors.
Before starting Flolan, you must receive proper training in administration from a healthcare professional.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Flolan is epoprostenol.
Interactions
The most common drug-drug interactions with this drug include:
- Abrocitinib
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Apixaban
- Argatroban
- Betrixaban
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Caplacizumab-yhdp
- Celecoxib
- Choline Salicylate
- Citalopram
- Clonixin
- Clopidogrel
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Danaparoid
- Desirudin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Escitalopram
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Heparin
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lepirudin
- Levoketoconazole
- Levomilnacipran
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Methotrexate
- Milnacipran
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Paroxetine
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Rivaroxaban
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sertraline
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
Cautions
Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, bleeding disorders, or liver and kidney issues before using this medication.
Flolan can increase the risk of bleeding, so avoiding activities that may cause injury is important.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before starting Flolan, as its safety in these populations has not been fully established.
Side Effects
Some common side effects are:
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety
- Arthralgia
- Bloodstream infection
- Bradyarrhythmia
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Feeling nervous
- Flushing
- Headache
- Hemorrhage
- Hypersplenism
- Hypotension
- Influenza-like illness
- Jaw pain
- Loss of appetite
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sepsis
- Splenomegaly
- Tachycardia
References
Flolan [package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; January 2008.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 14614