Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are chemical mediators that have a variety of effects in the body depending on the location of the prostaglandin and the available receptor types. Prostaglandins result in dilation of blood vessels, promotion of inflammation, promotion of uterine muscle contractions, inhibition of gastric acid secretion, and promotion of secretions in the GI tract. The medications in this section have a variety of indications including in the treatment of severe pulmonary hypertension, glaucoma treatment, maintenance of a patent ductus arteriosus, and treatment of constipation.

Class Drugs

• Alprostadil

• Lubiprostone

• Misoprostol

• Bimatoprost

• Travoprost

• Latanoprost

• Epoprostenol

• Iloprost

• Treprostinil

Class Mechanism of Action

Prostaglandins mediate a variety of effects based on tissue and location in the body.  Effects mediated by specific receptor G-coupled proteins.  See individual drugs for specific mechanisms

Class Applications

See individual drugs

Class Adverse Effects

See individual drugs

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Alprostadil	Maintenance of PDA in neonates; Erectile dysfunction	Mechanism of Action; PDA; -Helps maintain the patency of the ductus arteriosus in neonates the congenital heart disease who rely on PDA until surgery can be performed safely; ED; -Naturally occurring prostaglandin; Mediates dilatation of blood vessels and cavernous tissues; -Relaxes the corpus cavernosum to help initiate and maintain an erection	"Weird Al" "Pro" "Stadium" "Dill Pickle"
Lubiprostone	Chronic idiopathic constipation; Irritable bowel syndrome related constipation; Opioid induced constipation	Mechanism of Action; Stimulates GI motility via chloride channels in the intestinal lumen	"Lube" "Pro" "Stone"
Misoprostol	Prophylaxis against NSAID induced GI ulcers; Off label: Induction of labor	Mechanism of Action; -Reduces gastric acid secretion in stomach parietal cells, also stimulates mucus and bicarbonate production in GI tract; -Stimulates contractions in the uterus; Adverse Effects; Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential to induce abortions	"Miso Soup" "Pro"
Bimatoprost	Open angle glaucoma	Mechanism of Action; Reduces intraocular pressure by increasing uveoscleral outflow; Adverse Effects; Blurred vision, increases prominence of eyelashes, ocular irritation	"Bee Bim Bop" "Toe" "Pro"
Latanoprost	Open angle glaucoma	Mechanism of Action; Reduces intraocular pressure by increasing uveoscleral outflow; Adverse Effects; Blurred vision, increases prominence of eyelashes, ocular irritation	"Lats" "Tan" "Pro"
Travoprost	Open angle glaucoma	Mechanism of Action; Reduces intraocular pressure by increasing uveoscleral outflow; Adverse Effects; Blurred vision, increases prominence of eyelashes, ocular irritation	"Travis" "Pro"
Epoprostenol	Pulmonary hypertension; -Administered as continuous IV infusion due to short half-life	Mechanism of Action; Dilates pulmonary arteries; Adverse Effects; Flushing, headache, fainting	"Omar Eps" "Pro"
Iloprost	Pulmonary hypertension; -Can be administered by inhalation	Mechanism of Action; Dilates pulmonary arteries; Adverse Effects; Flushing, headache, fainting, bronchospasm	"Ill" "Pro"
Treprostinil	Pulmonary hypertension; -Can be administered by inhalation, IV, or subcutaneous	Mechanism of Action; Dilates pulmonary arteries; Adverse Effects; Flushing, headache, fainting	"Tree" "Pro" "Stingray"