ALPROSTADIL

Generic Name : ALPROSTADIL

TradeName : ALPOSTIN amp BIOGLANDIN amp PROSTIN VR inj

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : This medication is prescribed for erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection) in men. It is also used to improve blood flow in newborn babies with a certain genetic heart condition and who depend on patent ductus arteriosus for survival. This injection is also sometimes used in combination with other tests to diagnose erectile dysfunction. It is a vasodilator. It relaxes the muscles and blood vessels in the penis to keep enough blood in the penis so that an erection can occur.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Hypersensitivity, hyaline membrane disease.

When it is to be taken : Intracavernosal( injection into the base of the penis): 2.5 mcg, may increase gradually until an effective dose is achieved. Once the optimal dose is determined, it should not be given >1 time/day or 3 times/week. Usual maintenance: 5-20 mcg/day. Max: 60 mcg/day. Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction 5-20 mcg. Suppository Initial: 250 mcg, may increase to 500 or 1000 mcg or reduce to 125 mcg according to response. Not to be given >2 times/day or 7 times/week.
Ductus Arteriosus Newborns IV 0.01 to 0.4 mcg/kg/min. Drug is infused for shortest time and at lowest effective dose.

How it should be taken : It comes as a powder to be mixed with the liquid provided in the package and injected into the penis and as a urethral suppository (pellet to be placed into the urinary opening of the penis), and in newborns injection is administered into the vein.

Special Instruction :
1. Seek medical attention if you experience a painful erection or have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours (priapism). If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your health care provider immediately.
2. It does not protect against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (eg, HIV) or blood-borne diseases (eg, hepatitis B). Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have an STD or blood-borne disease.
3. If your partner experiences vaginal dryness or painful vaginal sensations, talk with your doctor.
4. It may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Do not drive a car or operate machinery after using this medication until you know how this medication affects you.
5. Regular check up need while taking this medication.
6. Caution need in case of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
7. Neonates receiving PGE1 for more than 120 hr should be closely monitored for gastric outlet obstruction.

Side Effects :
HEART- Flushing, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, cardiac arrest, edema. Other rare, but serious, cardiovascular effects include heart failure, second-degree heart block, shock, uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM- Fever; seizures; cerebral bleeding.
GI- Diarrhea.
GENITOURINARY- Urethral pain; urethral burning; urethral bleeding/spotting; testicular pain, penile pain; prolonged erection; penile fibrosis; injection-site blood clot, penis disorder;
BLOOD- Pathological activation of blood clotting, bleeding.
RESPIRATORY- Breathing during sleep
MISCELLANEOUS- Cortical proliferation of long bones; sepsis; back pain; pain; pelvic pain; accidental injury.

Other Precautions :
Monitor BP, blood oxygenation and blood pH continually.