Description
Alprostadil, like its contemporaries Edex, Muse and Caverjet, is an impotence agent and vasodilator known as prostaglandin E1. Alprostadil is usually used by men when the blood vessels, nerves and muscles in the penis do not work properly.
This unique medication treats every type of erectile dysfunction - vasculogenic, psychogenic, mixed and neurogenic etiology.
The prostaglandin E1 relaxes the blood vessels and thins the blood, delivering blood flow to the penile area and causing a hard erection.
The main advantage of Alprostadil is its quick action, just 5-10 minutes after injection. The effects last for 30-60 minutes but may vary slightly from patient to patient.
Alprostadil doesn't protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) or from pregnancy.
Dosage
Alprostadil is produced in a liquid form and is administered by injecting it directly into the side of the penis. It is important to make sure that you understand how to do this properly. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or healthcare provider.
For the purposes of injecting this medication, always choose a less visible blood vessel. After injecting the medication, apply pressure to the affected area with an alcohol swab for about 5 minutes to avoid bruising.
The injection must not be administrated close to the surface of the skin, at the top or head of the penis or at the base of the penis near the scrotum or testes.
According to the etiology of the erectile dysfunction, the initial dose may vary:
- For vasculogenic or psychogenic erectile dysfunction, or for erectile dysfunction of mixed etiology, the starting dose is 2.5mcg. If there is no effect, you may increase the dose to 5mcg, followed by increments of 5–10mcg until the desired result (dose produces an erection for appropriate sexual intercourse and it doesn't last more than 1 hour). If there is still no response to the initial dose, you may give a second dose of 7.5mcg within one hour, followed by increments of 5–10mcg until the desired result is achieved.
- For erectile disorders of neurogenic etiology, the recommended dose is 1.25mcg. You may increase the second dose to 2.5mcg, and the third dose to 5mcg, followed by increments of 5mcg until the desired result is achieved.
The maximum dose is 60mcg per day. Allow a 24 hour interval between doses.
Use Alprostadil only as needed. Do not take a double dose of Alprostadil.
Missing a dose
Use Alprostadil only as needed, thus missed dosages are not relevant. Do not take a double dose of Alprostadil.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs and you are not feeling well, you should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately. The overdose of the medication may be followed by feeling light-headed, fainting, having a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 hours or longer.
Storage
Store at the room temperature 25°C (77°F)or below. The medication should be used within 24 hours after opening. Do not freeze it. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.