Iloprost is infused for 6 hours each day. For the first three days, dose titration is carried out to establish the optimal rate of infusion, which will be used from Day 4 to the end of treatment.
Start the infusion at 10 ml/hr. Check the patient's pulse and blood pressure after 30 mins
If this dose is tolerated, Increase to 20 ml/hr for 30mins. Check pulse and blood pressure again If unacceptable side effects have occurred, decrease to 10 ml/hr
If this dose is tolerated, Increase to 30ml/hr for 30mins. Check pulse and blood pressure If unacceptable side effects have occurred, decrease to 20 ml/hr
If this dose is tolerated, Increase to 40m1/hr for 30mins. Check pulse and blood pressure If unacceptable side effects have occurred, decrease to 30 ml/hr
Continue until the optimal rate is established. Majority of patients will not exceed 50ml/hr. 1
After 6 hours, stop the infusion
N/B if, at any time, the patient experiences unacceptable side effects, the infusion rate should be reduced by 10 ml/hr. Side effects will then rapidly resolve. See the Iloprost technical information sheet for more information.