EPOPROSTANOL Meaning and
Definition
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Epoprostanol, also known by its trade name Flolan®, is a synthetic compound that mimics the action of prostacyclin, a naturally occurring chemical in the body. As a medication, it is classified as a prostacyclin analogue. Epoprostanol is primarily used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries connecting the heart to the lungs.
Within the body, prostacyclin plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow by dilating blood vessels and preventing the formation of blood clots. However, in individuals with PAH, the production of prostacyclin is significantly reduced. Epoprostanol serves as a substitute for this naturally occurring compound and helps to restore the balance in the body. By dilating the pulmonary arteries, it helps to reduce the resistance to blood flow, thus improving oxygenation and overall cardiac function.
Epoprostanol is typically administered via a continuous intravenous infusion and requires specialized administration pumps and catheters. Due to its short half-life, the medication must be constantly infused to achieve therapeutic benefits. Common side effects of epoprostanol may include flushing, headache, jaw pain, diarrhea, and more rarely, an increase in bleeding tendencies. It is important to note that epoprostanol should only be used under the guidance and prescription of a healthcare professional experienced in the management of PAH.
Common Misspellings for EPOPROSTANOL
- wpoprostanol
- spoprostanol
- dpoprostanol
- rpoprostanol
- 4poprostanol
- 3poprostanol
- eooprostanol
- eloprostanol
- e-oprostanol
- e0oprostanol
- epiprostanol
- epkprostanol
- eplprostanol
- eppprostanol
- ep0prostanol
- ep9prostanol
- epoorostanol
- epolrostanol
- epo-rostanol
- epo0rostanol
Etymology of EPOPROSTANOL
The word "Epoprostanol" is a combination of two parts: "epo-" and "prostanol".
1. "Epo-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "epi", which means "on" or "upon". In medical terminology, "epo-" is commonly used to refer to something that is related to or enhances the production of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone responsible for red blood cell production.
2. "Prostanol" is a term formed by the combination of two elements: "prost-" and "-anol".
- "Prost-" is derived from "prostaglandin", a type of hormone-like substance that plays various physiological roles in the body, such as inflammation regulation, vasodilation, and blood clotting.
- "-anol" is a suffix used to denote primary alcohols.
