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 STDs such the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are not prevented by alprostadil.

Alprostadil is available as a powder to be combined with the supplied liquid and injected into the penis as well as a urethral suppository (a pellet to be inserted into the penis’ urinary opening). Before sexual activity, alprostadil is taken as needed. Within 5 to 20 minutes of using the injection and within 5 to 10 minutes of using the pellet, an erection may start to form. About 30 to 60 minutes should pass between erections. Alprostadil injection should only be administered three times each week, with a minimum of 24 hours in between treatments. More than two doses of alprostadil pellets shouldn’t be taken in a 24-hour period. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and if there is anything you are unsure of, contact your doctor or chemist to clarify it. Apply alprostadil exactly as recommended. Use only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less of it, nor more frequently.

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 chemist.

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 chemist.

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

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

Before using alprostadil,

• If you have an allergy to alprostadil, any other prostaglandin drugs, including misoprostol (Cytotec, in Arthrotec), bimatoprost (Lumigan), latanoprost (Xalatan), and travoprost (Travatan), let your doctor and chemist know right away.
• Inform your doctor and chemist 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 cells are produced); 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.
• Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had any constriction, scarring, or swelling of the penile tip or urinary opening if you are taking the alprostadil pellet. You won’t want to use alprostadil pellets, your doctor will likely advise you.
• If you have a bleeding issue, a history of fainting, kidney, liver, or lung disease, or if you smoke, let your doctor know.
• If your spouse is expecting a baby or has any plans to get pregnant, let your doctor know. Before sexual activity with a woman who is pregnant or who could get pregnant without wearing a condom barrier, avoid taking alprostadil pellets.
• You should be aware that alprostadil might produce fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Until you understand how alprostadil affects you, avoid using machinery or driving a car after taking it.
• If you plan to drink while taking alprostadil, discuss this with your doctor. The effectiveness of this drug may be lowered by alcohol.
• You should be aware that a little amount of bleeding could develop where the drug was administered. This could raise the possibility of you and your partner contracting blood-borne illnesses, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, through tainted blood. Inform your physician if you or your spouse have a blood-borne illness.

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
• Aching or pain in the perineum (the region between the penis and the rectum), testicles, legs, or penis
• Feeling of warmth or burning in the penile urinary opening
• The colour of the penis
• 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 at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by phone at 1-800-332-1088 if you suffer a serious side event.

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 dry (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 ideal approach to get rid of your medicines. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your chemist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, visit 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
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Persistent penile discomfort
• Erection that lasts more than six hours

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments. It’s crucial to visit your doctor for follow-up appointments frequently (e.g., every three months).

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

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.