Epoprostenol Intravenous and Epsom Salt

• Generic Name: epoprostenol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Flolan, Veletri

Epoprostenol injection is used to treat the symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary hypertension in patients who have already been treated with other medicines that did not work well. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure that occurs in the main artery that carries blood from the right side of the heart (the ventricle) to the lungs. When the smaller blood vessels in the lungs become more resistant to blood flow, the right ventricle must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs.

Epoprostenol belongs to a group of agents called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins occur naturally in the body and are involved in many biological functions. Epoprostenol works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood to the lungs, reducing the workload of the heart.

Epoprostenol is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: magnesium sulfate
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Epsom Salt

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Epsom Salt also increases water in the intestines.

Epsom Salt is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation.

Not all external uses for Epsom Salt have been approved by the FDA. Epsom salt should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Epsom Salt may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.