Which medications can lower pulmonary artery pressure?

Generally, pulmonary arterial hypertension is a condition characterized by abnormally elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, triggered by various factors. Common symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, and chest pain. Patients may take medications such as bosentan tablets, ambrisentan tablets, iloprost solution for inhalation, treprostinil sodium injection, and sildenafil citrate tablets under medical guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Bosentan Tablets

Bosentan is a dual endothelin receptor antagonist that blocks the vasoconstrictive effects of endothelin, reduces pulmonary vascular resistance, and subsequently lowers pulmonary artery pressure. It is suitable for patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Liver function should be monitored regularly during treatment.

2. Ambrisentan Tablets

Ambrisentan selectively antagonizes the endothelin A receptor, relaxes pulmonary arterial smooth muscle, reduces pulmonary artery pressure, and improves pulmonary circulation. It is suitable for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension exhibiting WHO class II or III symptoms. Hemoglobin levels should be monitored during treatment.

3. Iloprost Solution for Inhalation

Iloprost solution for inhalation is a prostaglandin analog that acts directly on the pulmonary arteries via inhalation, dilating pulmonary vessels, reducing pulmonary artery pressure, and alleviating symptoms of dyspnea. It is suitable for the treatment of moderate to severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and should be inhaled at the prescribed dose and frequency.

4. Treprostinil Injection

Treprostinil directly dilates pulmonary and systemic arterial vessels, inhibits platelet aggregation, and reduces pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. It can be administered subcutaneously or intravenously and is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's tolerance.

5. Sildenafil Citrate Tablets

Sildenafil citrate lowers pulmonary artery pressure by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5, increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in vascular smooth muscle cells, and thereby inducing pulmonary vasodilation. It is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and should be used under a physician's guidance. Concurrent use with nitrates should be avoided.

Patients should avoid strenuous exercise to reduce the burden on the lungs, maintain emotional stability to avoid excessive tension, prevent respiratory tract infections to avoid exacerbating pulmonary inflammation, and undergo regular follow-up examinations including echocardiography and pulmonary artery pressure measurements to adjust treatment plans based on findings.