Brand Names and Formulations of Iloprost
Iloprost is marketed under the brand name Ventavis for inhaled administration in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. 1, 2
Available Formulations
Ventavis (Bayer Schering Pharma) is the primary commercial name for iloprost used in clinical practice, specifically formulated for inhalation therapy. 1
Concentration Options
The inhaled formulation is available in two concentrations for delivering therapeutic doses:
Both formulations are designed to deliver a 5 µg dose at the mouthpiece, with the V20 formulation offering significantly shorter inhalation times (6.5 minutes versus 11.8 minutes) and improved adherence through more complete inhalations. 3
Route-Specific Availability
While iloprost is a chemically stable prostacyclin analogue that can theoretically be administered via multiple routes (intravenous, oral, and aerosol), the inhaled formulation marketed as Ventavis is the primary FDA-approved form for PAH treatment in the United States. 4, 2
Administration Device
Ventavis is administered using the I-Neb AAD (Adaptive Aerosol Delivery) device, a specialized nebulizer system designed specifically for iloprost delivery to ensure optimal pulmonary deposition and minimize systemic side effects. 1, 3
Clinical Context
The Ventavis brand name applies specifically to the inhaled prostacyclin therapy approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension, requiring 6-9 inhalations daily at doses of 2.5-5 µg per inhalation. 4, 5