The concept of directly administering potent vasodilatory agents into the lungs via inhalation has been shown, in practice, to be effective in treating patients with pulmonary hypertension or hypoxaemia, or both. Inhaled nitric oxide and, to a lesser extent, aerosolized prostacyclin have been used successfully for this purpose. Their pharmacological profile, cardiopulmonary effects, clinical applications and potential side effects are discussed.
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