Review of bosentan in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension

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Authors: Eli Gabbay, John Fraser, Keith McNeil

Published Date January 2007 Volume 2007:3(6) Pages 887 - 900

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S

Eli Gabbay¹, John Fraser², Keith McNeil³

¹Western Australian Lung Transplant Unit and Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia, Australia; ²Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, Queensland, Australia; ³Transplant and Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, Queensland, Australia

Abstract: The dual endothelin receptor antagonist, bosentan, is an orally active therapy, which is effective in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This review critically appraises the evidence for the efficacy of bosentan in idiopathic and familial PAH, in PAH associated with connective tissue disease and in PAH which may develop in association with other conditions. Data from the pivotal placebo controlled studies and their open labeled extensions as well as long term survival and quality of life data is presented. Data is also presented on the potential benefit of bosentan in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The safety and tolerability of bosentan as well as drug interactions are discussed. Dosage recommendations in adults and pediatrics are presented. An algorithm is provided to guide the reader in monitoring potential increases in alanine and aspartate transaminase levels that may occur with bosentan use and the dose adjustments that are recommended as a result of any increase in the levels of these enzymes are shown. Finally, the role of bosentan as part of combination therapy in PAH is examined.

Keywords: bosentan, pulmonary arterial hypertension, review

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