Inhaled iloprost in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, and clinical trials evaluating inhaled iloprost in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1996-February 2005) was performed using the key words pulmonary hypertension, iloprost, and epoprostenol. Information regarding Food and Drug Administration approval was obtained via the Internet.

Pharmacologic therapy for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review.

This article reviews available data on the drug therapy armamentarium for the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Summaries of studies and therapeutic issues for bronchodilators, antibiotic therapy, corticosteroid use, and a few miscellaneous agents are presented. Many controversies exist in the criteria defining the acute exacerbation, in defining appropriate outcome parameters for assessment, and, consequently, in developing specific consistent recommendations for drug therapy.