Alprostadil is a type of vasodilator that healthcare providers most commonly prescribe to treat erectile dysfunction (ED or impotence). Vasodilators help increase blood flow through the blood vessels (arteries) by relaxing their walls and making them wider. Alprostadil is identical to a naturally occurring substance in your body that helps keep the blood vessels open.
You shouldn’t use alprostadil if you don’t have ED. It’s also unsafe to take more than your healthcare provider recommends. Improper use of alprostadil could cause permanent damage to your penis that prevents you from getting erections.
Healthcare providers usually prescribe alprostadil to help treat ED by increasing blood flow inside your penis, which helps you maintain an erection. You take alprostadil before sexual activity.
The primary benefit of alprostadil is that it helps you to get and maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse.
Alprostadil is very effective. It causes an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse in about 80% of men.
Alprostadil complications aren’t common. But there are possible risks.
Transurethral alprostadil risks include:
Injectable alprostadil risks include:
Very rarely, injectable alprostadil may also cause a penile infection.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Alprostadil for Injection while in the powder form can be stored at room temperature (between 15 and 25 °C or 59 and 77 °F) for 3 months. After it is mixed, the solution must be used immediately or within 24 hours and not refrigerated or frozen.
