Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Caverject
- Edex
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Erectile Dysfunction Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Prostaglandin
Uses for alprostadil
Alprostadil injection 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. Alprostadil causes an erection because it increases the blood flow to the penis.
Alprostadil 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.
Before using alprostadil
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alprostadil, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alprostadil or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Alprostadil injection is not indicated for use in newborns and should not be used in children.
Geriatric
Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of alprostadil injection have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving alprostadil.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medic...
