Alprostadil (Local)

Brand Names : Caverject, Edex, Muse, Prostin VR Pediatric, Prostin VR, PGE 1, prostaglandin E 1

Category

• Impotence therapy agent
• Diagnostic aid, erectile dysfunction
• Diagnostic aid, penile vasculature imaging

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). This medicine 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)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. -

• Caverject
• Edex
• Muse
• Prostin VR Pediatric

In Canada -

• Caverject
• Prostin VR

Other commonly used names are PGE ₁ and prostaglandin E ₁ .