Iloprost
Iloprost is a synthetic prostacyclin analog that acts as both a vasodilator and platelet aggregation inhibitor. It is primarily used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and severe peripheral vascular diseases such as thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease). The medication helps improve blood flow, reduce symptoms, and increase exercise capacity in affected patients.
Iloprost is a prostacyclin analog used to treat pulmonary hypertension and severe vascular diseases by dilating blood vessels and preventing blood clots.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AC11
- RxNorm
- 40138
- Generic
- Iloprost
- Class
- atc-b01
- Brands
- Aurlumyn, Ventavis
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits justify potential risks to fetus; consider alternative therapies
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
continue only if benefits outweigh risks; consider dose reduction
regular fetal monitoring, uterine blood flow assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue before delivery if possible; may affect uterine contractions
fetal monitoring during labor and delivery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
nursing mothersnot recommended
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug; decision should consider importance of therapy to mother
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not established
not recommended; limited safety and efficacy data in pediatric population
close monitoring if used off-label
geriatric
elderly 65 plusconsider lower starting dose
use with caution; start at lower end of dosing range; monitor for hypotension and dizziness
regular monitoring of blood pressure, renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentdose adjustment may be needed
use with caution; monitor renal function closely; may require dose reduction in severe impairment
regular renal function monitoring, watch for fluid overload
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 50%
reduce initial dose and titrate cautiously; impaired hepatic metabolism
frequent liver function tests, monitor for increased side effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Ventavis approval for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Drug class
Vasodilator class classification
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use for PAH treatment
Route of administration
Nebulized inhalation solution
Iloprost is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO Group 1) to improve exercise capacity and symptoms, as well as for severe peripheral vascular diseases including thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) and severe Raynaud's phenomenon with critical limb ischemia.
Iloprost is a synthetic analog of endogenous prostacyclin (PGI2) that binds to IP receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells and platelets. This activation leads to increased cAMP levels, resulting in vasodilation of pulmonary and systemic arteries and inhibition of platelet aggregation, which together improve blood flow and reduce thrombotic risk.
Iloprost is administered via inhalation (for PAH) or intravenous infusion (for peripheral vascular disease). Common side effects include flushing, headache, jaw pain, nausea, and hypotension. It should be used with caution in patients with severe heart failure, asthma, or acute infections. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment. Inhalation may cause bronchospasm in susceptible patients.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy