What is Bosentan: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Feb 3, 2021

Bosentan overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tracleer

Generic Names:

  • Bosentan

Uses:

  • Treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive

Forms:

  • Tablet, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Bosentan used for?

What form(s) does Bosentan come in

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

What are common Bosentan doses?

  • Tablet 62.5MG

Common Bosentan prescriptions

  • Bosentan
    125mg tablet

  • Bosentan
    62.5mg tablet

  • Bosentan
    32mg tablet soluble

How to take Bosentan

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the tablet for suspension that have been broken at room temperature in the opened blister container for up to 7 days.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • The tablet for suspension can be taken whole or divided into half along the lines cut into its surface. Do not break it into quarters. You may dissolve it in a small amount of water to make a liquid mixture before taking it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the tablet for suspension that have been broken at room temperature in the opened blister container for up to 7 days.

  • The tablet for suspension can be taken whole or divided into half along the lines cut into its surface. Do not break it into quarters. You may dissolve it in a small amount of water to make a liquid mixture before taking it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Bosentan

Bosentan contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to bosentan, or if you are pregnant.

Bosentan warnings

  • This medicine can cause very serious birth defects. Use 2 forms of effective birth control while you are taking this medicine, and for at least 1 month after you stop. For example, use 1 hormonal method (including birth control pills) and 1 barrier method (including condoms). If you miss a period or think you have become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

  • You must have a negative pregnancy test before you will be allowed to take this medicine. You will also be required to have a pregnancy test every month during your treatment and for 1 month after treatment.

  • Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, lung problems, or swelling in any part of your body.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Liver problemsFluid retention, including pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine may decrease sperm production. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

Bosentan interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with cyclosporine or glyburide.

  • Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using. This is especially important if you are a woman taking birth control pills while you are using bosentan.

  • Some medicines can affect how bosentan works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following: Amiodarone, diltiazem, sildenafil, tacrolimusBlood thinner (including warfarin)Medicine for HIV infection (including amprenavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir)Medicine for infection (including erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifampin)Medicine to lower cholesterol (including atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, or lung problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Fluid retentionPulmonary edemaDecreased sperm production

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check your liver function before you start this medicine and each month after that.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Bosentan side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Fast, uneven, or pounding heartbeat

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, lower legs, or feet

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual tiredness

  • Headache

  • Upset stomach