Epoprostenol is a specialized IV medication used to treat severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. This page explains what it does and why it's infused continuously — it is not a dosing calculator.
Epoprostenol's half-life is only a few minutes, so a steady effect requires a nonstop intravenous infusion through a central line and pump. Because abruptly stopping it can trigger dangerous rebound pulmonary hypertension, patients carry backup medication and pump supplies at all times.
It is reserved for severe (often WHO functional class III–IV) pulmonary arterial hypertension, managed by specialists. Related infused and inhaled prostacyclin analogues exist with longer half-lives, but continuous IV epoprostenol remains a benchmark therapy for the sickest patients.
Epoprostenol relaxes the pulmonary arteries and reduces clotting, lowering pulmonary pressure.
It has an extremely short half-life (a few minutes) and breaks down rapidly in the body, so continuous delivery is required to maintain a stable effect. Even brief interruptions can cause rebound pulmonary hypertension.
It's a prostacyclin analogue that dilates the pulmonary arteries and inhibits platelet aggregation, lowering pulmonary vascular resistance in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension.
No. Given RespCalc's non-clinician audience, this page stays mechanism- and rationale-focused. It is not a bedside dosing or titration tool.
Through a permanent central venous catheter and a portable infusion pump, with careful backup planning because of the danger of any interruption.