|
Alprostadil belongs to a class of medications known as
prostaglandins. Prostaglandins like alprostadil cause
increased blood flow to certain areas of the body by causing
the blood vessels in the area to widen.
In particular, an alprostadil injection causes increased
blood flow to the penis. It allows more blood to flow into
the penis and produce an erection. This makes the medication
useful for treatment of erectile dysfunction (also known as
male impotence). The goal is to achieve erections that last
up to one hour.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for
conditions other than the ones listed in these drug
information articles. If you have not discussed this with
your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this
medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this
medication without consulting your doctor.
Alprostadil is given by injection only into the blood-filled
spaces of the penis. Your doctor will determine the
appropriate dose of alprostadil by assessing the nature of
the impotence. Your doctor will give an initial injection
and then slowly increase the dose over the course of the
next injections until the lowest dose for an effective
erection is found. Erection should occur within 5 to 20
minutes after injection.
The initial dose of alprostadil is usually around 1.25 µg
to 2.5 µg (depending on the cause of the erectile
dysfunction) with dose increases depending on response until
the effective dose is reached. The maximum daily dose should
not exceed 60 µg. It should not be used more than once
daily or three times a week, with at least 24 hours between
doses.
If the erection lasts for two hours, try to reduce the
erection by methods suggested by the doctor. A prolonged
erection (three hours or more) should be reported to the
doctor immediately.
Do not inject alprostadil into an erect penis. Never
increase or decrease the dose without consulting your
doctor. Once the correct dose has been found, the first few
injections will take place at your doctor's office so you
can learn how to inject the medication properly. Once your
doctor is assured that you are comfortable with the
procedure, you will be given a prescription for a kit to use
at home.
Refer to the package insert for details on how to mix the
medication and inject it properly. Everything you need to
use the medication comes with the kit. It is important to
visit your doctor regularly, at least every three months
during treatment, to ensure that the alprostadil is working
safely and effectively.
Many things can affect the dose and schedule of
medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other
medical conditions, and other medications. Your doctor may
recommend a schedule different from the ones listed here. Do
not change the way you are using the medication without
consulting your doctor.
|
