Alprostadil Injection – Onco India International

What is Alprostadil Injection?

Alprostadil is a medication used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and certain congenital heart conditions in newborns.
It is an artificial form of prostaglandin E1, a naturally occurring chemical in the body.

Alprostadil increases blood flow into the penis, helping a man achieve and maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. It is usually administered by injection into the penis or as a tiny pellet placed inside the urethra.

In newborns, it is used to maintain blood circulation in cases of congenital heart defects until surgical correction can be performed.

Description

• Belongs to the class of medicines called vasodilators.

• In erectile dysfunction treatment, Alprostadil is injected at the base or side of the penis, or administered as a urethral suppository.

• Effects begin within 5 to 20 minutes and may last up to 1 hour.

• In neonates, it is given intravenously to keep the ductus arteriosus open until surgery.

Uses / Indications

• Adults (Men): Treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

• Infants: Management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) until corrective surgery.

• Off-label Use: Sometimes applied for vascular diagnostic testing.

Benefits

• Provides a direct and rapid solution for men with ED where oral tablets (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil) are not effective or safe.

• Enables precise dose adjustment for predictable results.

• In neonates with heart defects, ensures proper oxygenation by maintaining ductus arteriosus patency.

How Does It Work?

• In men: Relaxes smooth muscles and dilates blood vessels in the penis → increases blood flow → erection.

• In newborns: Keeps the ductus arteriosus open by maintaining blood circulation.

• Mimics the action of natural prostaglandins in a localized and controlled manner.

Side Effects

Common (mild and temporary):

• Pain, redness, or burning at the injection site

• Swelling or bruising in the penis

• Dizziness, leg aches, or feeling of fullness in the penis

Serious (require urgent medical attention):

• Prolonged erection (>4 hours, priapism)

• Severe swelling, pain, or bleeding at injection site

• Scarring or fibrous lumps in the penis

• In neonates: Breathing difficulties or sudden blood pressure changes

Dosage Guidelines

• Adults (ED): Low initial dose, adjusted by doctor. Not more than 1 dose in 24 hours and 3 doses per week.

• Infants (PDA): Weight-based dosing, strictly monitored in a hospital setting.

• Always follow your doctor’s prescription and never self-adjust.

When Not to Use

• Men with severe heart conditions where sexual activity is unsafe

• Men with penile implants, scarring, or blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia)

• Neonates with allergy to prostaglandins or where keeping ductus arteriosus open is harmful

• Allergy to any component of the injection

Drug Interactions

• May interact with medicines affecting blood pressure, circulation, or clotting.

• Caution with: Warfarin, aspirin, antihypertensives, and ED drugs like sildenafil.

• Always inform your doctor of all prescribed medicines, supplements, or herbal remedies.

Safety Advice

• Use only under a doctor’s supervision.

• Never share syringes or reuse needles.

• Do not drive or operate machinery if feeling dizzy after injection.

• Store properly and check expiration before use.

Storage

• Store at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated). Do not freeze.

• Keep in a dry, dark place, away from children and pets.

• Discard unused or expired medicine safely in a sharps container.

Onco India International – Trusted Healthcare Partner

Onco India International is committed to providing high-quality, reliable, and effective pharmaceutical solutions. Our Alprostadil Injection is manufactured under strict international standards to ensure patient safety and therapeutic efficacy.