In general, both PGE and PGI are given intravenously and continuously. There have been some cases where an oral form of PGE has been used, but this has not been established as a standard of care in this country. Due to the need for continuous intravenous infusion, special intravenous lines are frequently needed to make sure they do not dislodge and interrupt the flow of prostaglandin. The common side effects of PGE are fever, jitteriness, and diarrhea. The most important side effect of PGE is apnea, or lack of breathing.
Apnea is a common problem with premature infants that they outgrow.
Sometimes the episode is brief and requires only stimulation to get the infant to resume breathing. Other times, the infant needs to be on a ventilator in order to make sure that breathing occurs. The apnea is not permanent and disappears once the PGE is stopped or the dose is lowered.