Alprostadil
About Alprostadil
Alprostadil belongs to the class of medicine called vasodilators. It is primarily used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is defined as the difficulty of keeping a hard and erect penis that is firm enough and suitable for sexual activity. Symptoms may include less sexual desire, trouble getting and keeping an erection, and pain during intercourse. Alprostadil is also used as an adjunct to other diagnostic tests in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.
Alprostadil contains ‘Alprostadil, which belongs to the class of vasodilators. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis; and allows the blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited. Thereby, it helps to treat erectile dysfunction.
Alprostadil may cause certain side effects such as pain or aching in the penis, breakage of the needle, burning sensation in the opening of the urinary opening of the penis, redness of the penis, and prolonged erection. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, if you experience these side effects persistently, consult your doctor immediately. Alprostadil should be administered as prescribed by your doctor. Before administration, read the label carefully.
Alprostadil should be avoided if you are allergic to it or other components present in it. This medicine is contraindicated in conditions such as sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, multiple myeloma, leukemia, cavernosal fibrosis, and penile implants, as it can lead to serious side effects. Alprostadil is only recommended for use in men; hence, the use of this medicine in women and children should be avoided. Inform your doctor if you have/had heart problems or stroke, low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver/kidney and penile fibrosis. Alprostadil may cause dizziness, so avoid driving, as it can make you dizzy. Avoid consuming alcohol as it may cause increased dizziness and other unusual side effects.
Uses of Alprostadil
Medicinal Benefits
Alprostadil contains Alprostadil, which belongs to the class of vasodilators. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis; and allows the blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited. Thereby, it helps to treat erectile dysfunction.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Alprostadil
- Pain or aching in the penis
- Breakage of the needle
- Burning sensation in the opening of the urinary opening of the penis
- Redness of the penis
- Prolonged erection
Drug Warnings
Alprostadil should be avoided if you are allergic to it or its other components. This medicine is contraindicated in conditions such as sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, multiple myeloma, leukemia, cavernosal fibrosis, Peyronie’s disease or penile implants, as it can lead to serious side effects. Alprostadil is only recommended for use in men; hence, the use of this medicine in women and children should be avoided. Inform your doctor if you have/had heart problems or stroke, low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver/kidney and penile fibrosis. Alprostadil may cause dizziness, so avoid driving, as it can make you dizzy. Avoid consuming alcohol, which might cause increased dizziness and other unusual side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Alprostadil may interact with anti-hypertensive (amlodipine, lisinopril, losartan, metoprolol), alpha-blockers (tamsulosin), anti-anginal (nitroglycerin), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole), antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin), anti-TB (rifampicin), anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine)
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking to prevent unpleasant adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiovascular/heart disease, renal dysfunction (kidney impairment), liver disease, seizure disorder, and priapism (prolonged erection of the penis).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption during treatment with Alprostadil as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
not applicableAlprostadil is only recommended for adult men.
Breast Feeding
not applicableAlprostadil is only recommended for adult men.
Driving
cautionAlprostadil may cause dizziness. Therefore, you are advised to drive and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before using Alprostadil. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or history of liver disease, inform your doctor before using Alprostadil. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
not applicableAlprostadil is only recommended for adult men.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercising may help you manage erectile dysfunction.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it may temporarily impair your ability to get an erection.
- Avoid the usage of tobacco.
- Share intimate time with your partner.
- Stay sexually active to prevent further problems with erectile dysfunction.
Special Advise
- Do not take Alprostadil more than once a day. Take Alprostadil as prescribed by the doctor.
- Talk to your doctor if the erection persists for greater than four hours.
- Alprostadil is only intended for use in men. Avoid using it for women and children.
- Intended to be administered through the intracavernosal route only. Hence avoid using it for IM or IV route.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is defined as the difficulty of keeping a hard and erect penis that is firm enough and suitable for sexual activity. It could be a sign of physical or psychological conditions such as fear of sexual failure, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or stress. Certain health-related factors such as smoking, drinking, being overweight, being physically inactive, and high blood pressure also contribute to erectile dysfunction. Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include difficulty in getting an erection, difficulty in maintaining the erection during intercourse and decreased sexual desire.
FAQs
Alprostadil is used to treat Erectile dysfunction (impotence).
No, do not take Alprostadil with nitrates. Taking Alprostadil with medicines used to treat angina/chest pain, such as nitrates/nitroglycerin, may cause severe lowering of blood pressure. You are advised not to take Alprostadil if you are taking nitrates or have a history of heart attack/stroke.
Alprostadil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited.
