Prostaglandin has a wide array of side effects including fever, seizure-like activity, hypotension, flushing, and edema. Platelet aggregation can be reduced, and apnea with associated bradycardia can occur. This is most often seen in neonates weighing less than 2 kg at birth and usually appears during the first hour of initiating the drug infusion. Therefore, respiratory status should be monitored throughout treatment with mechanical ventilation as a consideration. It is recommended that a prostaglandin infusion be continuously administered via a separate intravenous line that can be monitored for any disruptions in flow.

References

• Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al. Cyanotic congenital heart disease: lesions associated with increased pulmonary blood flow. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Elsevier; 2024:2811-2826.