Pharmacological effects of iloprost (ZK 36 374), a stable prostacyclin analogue, in man.

Iloprost, a stable analogue of carbaprostacyclin, was infused for 72 h to 9 patients with advanced obliterative arterial disease. Total peripheral and pulmonary vascular resistances and blood pressure were decreased. Cardiac output was elevated with no marked extra cardiac load. The glomerular filtration rate was increased and tubular reabsorption of sodium and water reduced. Consequently, urine excretion increased. The renin-angiotensin system was not activated but excretion of renal kallikrein was augmented. Several patients showed clinical improvement. The drug was well tolerated except for gastrointestinal side-effects with the dose of 4 ng X kg-1 X min-1 or more.