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Overview

Alprostadil

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Alprostadil

Alprostadil is used in the treatment of erectile issues in males. The drug is considered as a prostaglandin (PGE-1). Alprostadil increases the flow of blood to the penis as it relaxes some muscles and widen the blood vessels effectively. As the effect of Alprostadil starts to reduce the blood flow through the penis also decreases and the erection goes away.

The drug is not recommended for use if you suffer from the following problems such as-

  • Allergy to any substance present in Alprostadil
  • Problems with the bone marrow, priapism, leukemia, sickle cell anemia and an erection that is painful
  • Penile implants, penis fibrosis and deformed penis
  • Any injury or other physical issues that prevents you from having sexual intercourse

In order to ensure safety give your doctor a detailed medical history, and inform him about any current health issues that you are facing. Give him information about all the medication prescribed as well as non-prescribed that you are using. Also tell him about any allergies that you may have.

One of the side effects that you may experience while using Alprostadil is dizziness. Thus you must take precautionary measures to prevent any complications. Avoid driving or indulging in some strenuous activity to prevent any accidents. Alcohol consumption should be avoid or very limited, as alcohol can worsen the side effects.

Some general side effects of Alprostadil are painful erection, dizziness, fever, pain or burning in the urethra, apnea and flushing. You may very rarely experience a curved penis, and erections that lasts for a long period of time, development of a blood clot in the penis.

When taking Alprostadil you will need to go for regular check-ups and keep your doctor updated about your health at all times.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Uro before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Alprostadil

    • Erectile Dysfunction

      Alprostadil is used for the treatment of impotence; where achieving and sustaining an erection is a problem while having sexual intercourse. However, it will work only if there is sexual stimulation. It is also sometimes used for the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.

    • Patent Ductus Arteriosus

      This medicine is also used for the supportive treatment of a birth defect where a temporary blood vessel does not close soon after birth.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Uro before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Alprostadil ?

    • Allergy

      This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to Alprostadil/Prostaglandins or any other ingredient present with it.

    • Priapism

      This medicine is not recommended for use if you have prolonged and painful erection even in the absence of any stimulation. Certain conditions like Sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and Multiple myeloma may contribute to this condition and hence should not be used in such cases.

    • Deformation Of Penis

      This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a deformed penis or have plaques due to a trauma (Peyronie's disease).

    • Sexual Activity Not Recommended

      This medicine is not recommended for use if your doctor has advised to refrain from any sexual activity due to health reasons.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Uro before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Alprostadil ?

    • Pain And Burning Sensation In The Penis

      Urethral route/Intravenous route

    • Urethral Bleeding

      Urethral route

    • Testicular Pain

      Urethral route

    • Headache

      Urethral route

    • Dizziness

      Urethral route

    • Increased Heart Rate

      Urethral route

    • Prolonged And Painful Erection

      Intracavernosal route

    • Hardening Of Penile Tissue

      Intracavernosal route

    • Injection Site Bruising

      Intracavernosal route

    • Swelling And Rashes At The Penile Region

      Intracavernosal route

    • Bleeding At The Injection Site

      Intracavernosal route

    • Swelling Of Veins

    • Visual Disturbances

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Uro before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Alprostadil

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The amount of time for which this medicine remains effective is subject to vary based on the intended use. However, this medicine is effective for 60-90 minutes when taken for erectile dysfunction.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The amount of time taken for this medicine to show its effect is subject to vary depending on the intended use. The effect can be observed within 5-20 of administration when taken for erectile dysfunction.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Appropriate precautionary measures should be adopted if your partner is taking this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if a pregnancy is suspected while your partner is using this medicine.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Uro before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      This medicine is taken on a need basis and hence a dosing regimen is highly unlikely.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose with this medicine is suspected. Symptoms may include fainting, feeling light-headed, prolonged and painful erection etc.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Uro before using this medicine.

    Where is the Alprostadil approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Uro before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Alprostadil

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Alprostadil as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Uro before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication acts by relaxing the arterial smooth muscles causing dilation of blood vessels in the penile region. It also relaxes the smooth muscles present in the ductus arteriosus in children with a congenital defect of the heart.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Uro before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Alprostadil ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Lab

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Minoxidil

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and frequent clinical monitoring to safely use this medicines together. Report any incidence of fainting, drowsiness, headache, and changed heart rate to the doctor.

        Sodium Nitrite

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require close clinical monitoring while using these medicines together. Suitable precautionary measures should be taken to counter or manage the excessive lowering of blood pressure caused due to coadministration of these medicines.

        Sildenafil

        Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. You may experience a headache, drowsiness, fainting, and change in heart rate while using them together. Your doctor may determine the appropriate course of treatment in such cases.

        Riociguat

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring of blood pressure levels while using them together. Report any incidence of a headache, drowsiness, fainting, and change in heart rate to the doctor.

        Pentoxifylline

        Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. You may experience a headache, drowsiness, fainting, and change in heart rate while using them together. Your doctor may determine the appropriate course of treatment in such cases.

        Papaverine

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to safely use these medicines together. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Respiratory Disorders Of The Neonates

        This medicine should be used with extreme caution in newborn children having underdeveloped lungs. Suitable supportive measures like ventilation should be ensured before this medicine is used.

        Bleeding Disorders

        This medicine should be used with caution in patients having a bleeding disorder. Use of this medicine may cause adverse effects and may also worsen the bleeding problems.
      • Interaction with Food

        Food

        Information not available.

      References

      • Alprostadil-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/alprostadil

      • Alprostadil-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00770

      • ALPROSTADIL injection,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=ALPROSTADIL

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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