Iloprost (IV/Nebulised)
Brand names: Ilomedine (IV), Ventavis (nebulised)
Iloprost is a synthetic prostacyclin (PGI2) analogue given intravenously or by inhalation, used in pulmonary arterial hypertension and in severe peripheral vascular disease such as critical limb ischaemia and digital ulceration in systemic sclerosis.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It mimics prostacyclin to cause vasodilatation of pulmonary and systemic arterial beds and to inhibit platelet aggregation.
Prescribing in practice
- Potent vasodilatation can cause hypotension, flushing, headache and syncope, so blood pressure must be monitored closely during infusion or inhalation and the dose titrated to tolerance.
- Use with caution in patients at increased risk of bleeding given its antiplatelet effect, and in those with unstable cardiac disease.
- Inhaled administration requires a suitable nebuliser system and the patient should be seated; treatment is specialist-initiated.
Monitoring
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and for vasodilatory adverse effects during and after each administration.
Counselling the patient
- Headache, flushing and jaw pain are common and usually settle with continued use.
- Stand up slowly and report dizziness or fainting.
- Do not stop pulmonary hypertension treatment abruptly without specialist advice.
Evidence & guidelines
Iloprost is recommended for pulmonary arterial hypertension and is supported by evidence in systemic-sclerosis-related digital ischaemia.
Reference: EULAR Scleroderma Guidelines; ESC PAH Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.