Alprostadil: Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Alprostadil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by relaxing the muscles and blood vessels in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available in injection form or as a urethral suppository with a prescription
Applicable for
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Alprostadil FAQ


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How does alprostadil work?

Alprostadil is available as an injection treatment, which is where you inject alprostadil into the base of your penis. It is available as a urethral application, which is where you place a small pellet containing alprostadil into your urethra (the tube which your urine passes through and which opens at the end of your penis).

What is alprostadil urethral suppository used for?

Alprostadil urethral suppository is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). It belongs to a group of medicines called vasodilators that can increase blood flow by expanding blood vessels. This medicine causes an erection because it increases the blood flow to the penis.

Does alprostadil help erectile dysfunction?

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.

What is the difference between alprostadil and vasodilator?

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.

What is alprostadil used for?

Alprostadil is a prostaglandin E1 agonist used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and as an adjunct for its diagnosis. Alprostadil is a chemically-identical synthetic form of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a potent vasodilator produced endogenously.

What are the side effects of alprostadil?

Injectable alprostadil risks include: Low blood pressure. High blood pressure ( hypertension ). A prolonged erection. Skin rash on your penis. Swelling of your penis. Bruising around the injection site. Headache. Dizziness. Very rarely, injectable alprostadil may also cause a penile infection. How long does alprostadil last?

Alprostadil References

If you want to know more about Alprostadil, consider exploring links below:

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