Various forms of erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to obtain or maintain an erection) in males are treated with alprostadil injection and suppositories. Additionally, various tests may be combined with alprostadil injection to detect erectile dysfunction. Alprostadil belongs to the group of drugs known as vasodilators. It functions by calming the penis’ blood vessels and muscles so that there is adequate blood to support erections.

Neither erectile dysfunction nor increased sexual desire are treated by alprostadil. Pregnancy or the transmission of sexually transmitted illnesses like the human immunodeficiency virus are not prevented by alprostadil (HIV).

Alprostadil is available as a powder to be combined with a liquid and injected into the penis as well as a urethral suppository (pellet to be placed into the urinary opening of the penis). When necessary, alprostadil is taken before to sexual activity. After using the injection for 5–20 minutes or the pellet for 5–10 minutes, an erection may occur. The duration of the erection should be between 30 and 60 minutes. Utilizing alprostadil injection more than three times per week without at least a 24-hour break is not advised. Using alprostadil pellets more than twice in a 24-hour period is not advised. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. As recommended, take alprostadil as prescribed. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often.

The first dose of alprostadil will be given to you by your doctor in order to ascertain the right dosage for you. Your doctor may gradually raise or lower your dose once you start using alprostadil at home. Inform your doctor if your erections are unsatisfactory or if they stay too long, but do not alter your dosage without first consulting your physician.

Before using alprostadil at home, you must receive training from your doctor. Make sure you know exactly how to administer alprostadil. If you have any concerns about using your medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Never use a needle, syringe, cartridge, vial, pellet, or applicator more than once. Put discarded needles and syringes in a container that won’t puncture. As for how to get rid of the container, see your physician or pharmacist.

For a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using alprostadil,

• Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies before taking alprostadil, as well as any other prostaglandin drugs, including misoprostol (Cytotec, in Arthrotec), bimatoprost (Lumigan), latanoprost (Xalatan), and travoprost (Travatan).
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use. Incorporate any of the following: drugs for allergies, colds, high blood pressure, or nasal issues; appetite suppressants; anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such heparin and warfarin (Coumadin); and any other treatments for erectile dysfunction. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• Inform your doctor if you’ve ever received advice from a medical professional to refrain from sexual activity due to health issues, and if you currently have or have ever had blood cell issues like sickle cell anaemia (a disease of the red blood cells), leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells), multiple myeloma (cancer of the plasma cells), thrombocythemia (condition in which too many platelets are produced), or polycythemia (condition in which too many red blood); angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie’s disease, as well as heart failure and penile implants, which are medical devices inserted surgically inside the penis to cure erectile dysfunction. Additionally, let your doctor know if you or any members of your family have ever experienced a blood clot in the lungs or legs, as well as if you have just had significant surgery. Alprostadil usage may be discouraged by your physician.
• If you are using the alprostadil pellet, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any narrowing, scarring, or swelling of the urinary opening of the penis or the tip of the penis. Your doctor will probably tell you not to use alprostadil pellets.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a bleeding disorder; a history of fainting; or kidney, liver, or lung disease.
• Tell your doctor if your partner is pregnant or plans to become pregnant. Do not use alprostadil pellets before sexual activity with a pregnant woman or a woman who may become pregnant without using a condom barrier.
• You should be aware that alprostadil can make you feel faint, lightheaded, and dizzy. After taking alprostadil, wait to handle machinery or drive a car until you have experienced its effects.
• During your alprostadil therapy, discuss drinking with your doctor. Alcohol may make this drug less effective.
• It’s important to be aware that a tiny amount of bleeding could happen where the drug was applied. This could make you and your partner more likely to contract blood-borne illnesses like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These ailments are conveyed via tainted blood. If you or your spouse have a blood-borne illness, let your doctor know.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

There may be negative effects from alprostadil. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Bruise or bleeding at the site of the drug injection
• Penis, testicles, legs, or perineum ache or pain (area between the penis and rectum)
• Feeling of warmth or burning in the penile urinary opening
• The penis being red
• Headache
• Back ache
• Skin conditions
• Vision issues

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur to you:

• Erection that lasts more than four hours
• Erect penis redness, swelling, soreness, or peculiar curvature
• Hard or nodules on the penis
• Rapid heart rate
• Fainting
• Leg veins that are enlarged

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Vials and cartridges for alprostadil should be kept at room temperature, away from sources of extreme heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). For details on where and for how long alprostadil solution may be stored after mixing, consult the manufacturer’s instructions. Alprostadil pellets can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days prior to use, but they should always be maintained in their original container in the refrigerator. The drug will lose its effectiveness if it is exposed to hot temperatures or direct sunlight.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Alprostadil shouldn’t be brought on a trip or left in a vehicle where it might be exposed to high temperatures. Alprostadil pellets should be kept in a refrigerator or portable ice pack.

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Dial 1-800-222-1222 to reach your local poison control centre if someone takes too much alprostadil. Dial 911 to reach the nearest emergency services if the sufferer has collapsed or has stopped breathing.

Overdose symptoms could include:

• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Distorted vision
• Nausea
• Persistent penile discomfort
• Erection that lasts more than six hours

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are crucial (e.g., every 3 months).

Never let someone else use your syringes, needles, or medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.