Generic name: iloprost inhalation [ EYE-loe-prost ]
Brand name: Ventavis
Dosage form: inhalation solution (10 mcg/mL; 20 mcg/mL)
Drug class: Agents for pulmonary hypertension

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 8, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is iloprost?

Iloprost is used to treat symptoms associated with certain types of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults. iloprost inhalation improves your ability to exercise.

Iloprost inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Iloprost side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Iloprost may narrow your airway muscles (bronchospasm). Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a bronchospasm: wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine.

Iloprost inhalation may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out, dizziness, headache;

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• pain or tightness in your jaw;

• unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums); or

• flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Common side effects of iloprost inhalation may include:

• pneumonia, increased cough, coughing up blood;

• low blood pressure, feeling light-headed;

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• headache, flu symptoms;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• nausea or vomiting;

• muscle cramps, back pain;

• tongue pain, pain or tightness in your jaw; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• low blood pressure; or

• any breathing problems or disorders.

It is not known if iloprost will harm an unborn baby. The benefit of treating PAH may outweigh any risks to the mother or baby. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while using iloprost inhalation.

How should I use iloprost?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not swallow this medicine. The medicine should only be inhaled using the inhalation system provided with the medication.

Do not mix other medicines with iloprost.

Iloprost is usually given 6 to 9 times per day while awake. Do not use it more than once every 2 hours.

The effects of iloprost may not last 2 hours. Talk with your doctor about how to time your doses around planned activities.

Read and carefully follow any instructions on how to use the medicine before preparing your first dose and later doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Each treatment should last about 4 to 10 minutes. Call your doctor if your treatment time starts taking longer as your dose may need to be changed.

Throw away each glass ampule after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Make sure you have a backup inhalation system available in case one of the systems stops working.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Follow all storage and cleaning instructions provided with iloprost. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.

Iloprost inhalation dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Pulmonary Hypertension:

Initial dose: 2.5 mcg inhaled orally once; if tolerated, increase to 5 mcg and maintain this dose
Maintenance dose: 2.5 or 5 mcg inhaled orally 6 to 9 times per day, no more than once every 2 hours while awake, based on individual need and tolerability
Maximum dose: 45 mcg/day (5 mcg/dose 9 times per day)

Comment: Avoid initiation of therapy in patients with systolic blood pressure below 85 mmHg.

Use: For the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1) to improve a composite endpoint consisting of exercise tolerance, symptoms (New York Heart Association [NYHA] Class), and lack of deterioration. Studies establishing effectiveness included predominately patients with NYHA Functional Class III-IV symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (65%) or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (23%)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using iloprost?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how iloprost inhalation will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Also avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Avoid exposing others to iloprost while you are inhaling it, especially babies.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or skin.

What other drugs will affect iloprost?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medication;

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or

• any other medications used to prevent blood clots.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect iloprost, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.01.