What is this medication for?
Alprostadil belongs to a class of medications known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins like alprostadil cause increased blood flow to certain areas of the body by causing the blood vessels in the area to widen.
In particular, an alprostadil injection causes increased blood flow to the penis. It allows more blood to flow into the penis and produces an erection. This makes the medication useful for treatment of erectile dysfunction (also known as male impotence). It may also be used to help diagnose erectile dysfunction. The goal is to achieve erections that last up to one hour. When the effect of the alprostadil wears off, blood flow returns to normal and the erection disappears.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Alprostadil by Sicor Pharms is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of alprostadil by assessing the nature of the impotence. Your doctor will give an initial injection and then slowly increase the dose over the course of the next injections until the lowest dose for an effective erection is found. Erection should occur within 5 to 20 minutes after injection. Once the correct dose has been found, the first few injections will take place at your doctor's office so you can learn how to inject the medication properly. Once your doctor is assured that you are comfortable with the procedure, you will be given a prescription for a kit to use at home.
The initial dose of alprostadil is usually around 1.25 µg to 2.5 µg (depending on the cause of the erectile dysfunction) with dose increases depending on response until the effective dose is reached. You should not exceed the dose which was determined in the doctor's office. Do not use more than 3 times a week. There should be at least 24 hours between doses.
If the erection lasts for 2 hours, try to reduce the erection by methods suggested by your doctor. A prolonged erection (greater than 4 hours) should be reported to your doctor immediately. If your doctor is unavailable, seek immediate medical assistance.
Do not inject alprostadil into an erect penis. Never increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor.
Refer to the package insert for details on how to mix the medication and inject it properly. Everything you need to use the medication comes with the kit. It is important to visit your doctor regularly, at least every 3 months during treatment, to ensure that the alprostadil is working safely and effectively.
Store this medication at room temperature, and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Alprostadil injection should not be used by:
- anyone allergic to any of the ingredients
- anyone with conditions that increase the risk of priapism, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
- anyone with penile implants
- anyone with priapism (a condition where erections are painful and last for over 6 hours)
- children or newborns
- men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable
- people with deformations of the penis, such as angulation, fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease
- women
