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Alprostadil description. Alprostadil (al-PROS-ta-dil ) belongs to a group of medicines called vasodilators that can increase blood flow by expanding blood vessels. Alprostadil is used to produce erections in some men who need treatment for erectile dysfunction (sexual impotence). Alprostadil causes an erection because it increases the blood flow to the penis. Alprostadil injection should not be used as a sexual aid by men who do not have erectile dysfunction. If the medicine is not used properly, permanent damage to the penis and loss of the ability to have erections could result. Alprostadil is used alone or with medical tests to help diagnose erectile dysfunction that may be caused by nerve or blood vessel problems in the penis. Alprostadil is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms: Intraurethral Suppositories (U.S.) Parenteral Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Why prescribed Alprostadil. Alprostadil is used to produce a sexually functional erection in males with impotence (erectile dysfunction). How used Alprostadil. Alprostadil comes as a shot to inject into the penis. You must be trained by your doctor before using alprostadil at home. Use alprostadil before sex. It produces an erect penis within 5-20 minutes of injection (into the side of the upper third of the penis, as directed by your doctor). Generally, alprostadil should not be used more than three times a week or more than once every 24 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use alprostadil exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will administer the first dose in his or her office to determine the appropriate dose you should receive. Carefully read the patient directions that come with alprostadil vials. If you have questions about the volume of alprostadil to inject, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Each needle, syringe with fluid, and vial with powder can be used only once. The effects of alprostadil should last no longer than 1 hour. Call your doctor immediately if your erection lasts longer than 4 hours. Erections lasting more than 6 hours may result in permanent damage. If you use too much alprostadil by mistake, call your doctor immediately. Remember to wash your hands completely before using alprostadil and to clean the area of the penis that will be injected before the needle is inserted. Brand names: - Alprostadil - Caverject - Edex - Muse - Prostin VR - Prostin VR Pediatric |