Epoprostenol – Flolan

Trade name

Flolan

Presentation and preparation

Vial size (powder volume)	Fluid to add	Volume to add	Resulting concentration
500 microgram (negligible)	Diluent provided (pH 12)	10 + 40 mL	10 microgram/mL
1500 microgram (negligible)	Diluent provided (pH 12)	10 + 40 mL	30 microgram/mL

Caution: Complex infusion preparation.

Reconstitute the Flolan vial with 10 mL of pH 12 diluent provided. Shake gently until powder has dissolved.

Transfer this reconstituted solution back into the diluent vial containing the remaining 40 mL of diluent to provide a ‘concentrated solution’. Mix well.

IV administration

Caution: complex infusion preparation

The concentrated solution can be administered without further dilution, or may be diluted to a concentration of 2 microgram/mL or stronger using the additional vial of diluent provided.

Flolan solutions (and diluent) must be filtered, using the 0.22 micron filter provided during preparation, or filtered during administration using an appropriate 0.2 micron in-line filter.

Flolan is administered only as a continuous infusion, preferably via a central line.

Infusion rates are expressed in nanogram/kg/min.

Other routes of administration

IM: Contraindicated.

SC: Contraindicated.

Compatible IV fluids

Dilutions must only be performed with the diluent (pH 12) provided.

Additional information

Extravasation risk: pH ~ 12

Monitor blood pressure and heart rate.

Avoid even brief interruptions to infusion delivery and never flush or bolus the line as this can lead to rapid clinical deterioration.

Taper infusion slowly when discontinuing treatment; abrupt discontinuing may cause rebound pulmonary hypertension.

Access to spare pump, IV infusion sets is recommended to prevent treatment interruption.

Flolan solutions are not compatible with tubing or containers that contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG).

Protect from light during storage.

Discard any unused vial contents.

RCH only: Flolan infusions may be prepared by the pharmacy department.

Flolan concentrated solution and further diluted solutions are stable for up to 8 days if refrigerated (2°C – 8°C) prior to administration. Then should be administered within:

• for 72 hours at up to 25ºC
• for 48 hours at up to 30ºC
• for 24 hours at up to 35ºC
• for 12 hours at up to 40ºC