What is Alprostadil Lyophilised Injection?

Alprostadil Lyophilised Injection is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) among men.

ED occurs when the male is not able to achieve or sustain an erection sufficiently hard for intercourse.

The drug is also prescribed for administration in newborn patients with certain heart conditions.

In infants, Alprostadil maintains a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus open before heart surgery.

Alprostadil is a synthetic replica of a substance that exists naturally in the body, prostaglandin E1.

The medication causes the dilation of vessels and increases blood flow.

It can be found as a freeze-dried powder. It needs to be mixed with liquid before it can be given.

It is injected into the penis or a vein, depending on its use.

Description

Alprostadil Lyophilised Injection comes in a small glass vial.

The white powder in the vial must be combined with a special sterile liquid before injection.

Men with erectile dysfunction inject it into the penis side or base.

Doctors or nurses administer it into a vein in children who have a congenital heart defect.

It acts very quickly and causes the blood vessels to open up in the treated area.

It has to be administered under the direction of a medical practitioner.

Some males can be taught by physicians on how to administer the injection in the comfort of their homes, but proper training and safety are advised.

The medication requires careful administration under medical supervision.

Uses / Indications

Alprostadil is mainly used to treat ED in male adults.

It helps them develop an erection since it widens penile blood flow.

It is also used in infants who are born with some heart diseases.

These babies need a medicine that keeps the ductus arteriosus open until surgery.

In some cases, doctors will give Alprostadil to test how well the penis’s blood flow is, before surgery or other treatments.

It is not for daily use. It is only given when needed for a specific reason.

Benefits

This injection helps men who cannot take pills orally or who have no effect from them.

It is fast acting, usually 5 to 20 minutes. It is useful when other medications do not work.

It gives men more control over when they want sex.

In newborns, the injection keeps a vital blood vessel open, which can be a lifesaver before surgery.

It is also highly specific, i.e., it only works where it is administered and does not work on the whole body.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, Alprostadil Lyophilised Injection may have side effects.

Others are serious and need emergency medical help.

The drug is to be used as directed by the physician, and any unusual effects should be reported to them.

Common Side Effects

Pain or soreness at the injection site in some men is possible.

Your skin may be bruised, red, or swollen. There may be warmth or tingling within the penis.

There may be light bleeding after the injection.

In some instances, the erection will be longer than expected, but it is not painful.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

There are very bad side effects that need to be taken care of right away.

They have priapism, an erection for 4 hours or longer, with pain.

This is a medical emergency. Scarring of the penis, or penile fibrosis, is another rare side effect.

The penis may also curve from long-term use of injections in the same location.

There may be indicators of an infection, such swelling, pus, or a fever.

If you notice blood in your urine or at the end of your penis, call a doctor right away.

Any kind of rash, itching, or shortness of breath is rare but possible.

How Does It Work?

Alprostadil is a muscle relaxant that affects muscles in blood vessels.

This makes the blood vessels open up more and pass more blood through them.

In men with ED, the medication causes the penis to fill with additional blood.

The increased blood flow causes an erection.

The medication keeps the blood in the penis for a short time to help the erection last long enough for intercourse.

In babies with heart defects, the medication keeps a blood vessel open to let oxygen-rich blood pass through the heart normally until surgery is possible.

Dosage Guidelines

For erectile dysfunction, the doctor will start with a low dose.

This will be 2.5 to 20 micrograms. The injection should not be given more than three times in a week.

Men should also not have the injection for at least 24 hours.

For babies with heart defects, the dose is determined by the infant’s weight and condition.

The injection must be given in a hospital by a physician or nurse.

Never give more than instructed. Too much may harm you.

When Not to Use

Men with sickle cell anaemia or leukaemia should not use it.

Men who have had painful or recurring erections are also not suited for this drug.

If you have an implant in your penis or a curved penis that resulted from disease or injury, you should talk to your physician prior to taking this medication.

Pregnant or lactating women must avoid handling or ingesting this medicine unless prescribed by a doctor.

Drug Interactions

Alprostadil interacts with other drugs. Tell your physician about all the medicines you are taking.

Include prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements.

Blood thinners like warfarin or heparin may make it more likely for you to bleed.

Do not use Alprostadil with other drugs for ED, like sildenafil or tadalafil.

Taking these together can lead to a harmful decrease in blood pressure.

Medications for chest pain, such as nitrates, must be avoided as well.

Alcohol might also increase the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects including dizziness or low blood pressure.

Safety Advice

Always take the doctor’s advice while taking Alprostadil.

Use a new type of syringe and needle for each injection.

Don’t share your medication or injection equipment with others.

Wash your hands before and after injecting.

Do not drive or use heavy machinery when you are dizzy or feel weak after the injection.

If your sex partner is pregnant, have sex while wearing a condom to avoid transferring the medicine to her.

Store the medicine out of children’s reach.

Never use the injection without due training from a medical doctor or a nurse.

General Instructions

Before administering the medicine, combine the powder with the special liquid that comes with it.

Do not tend to shake the vial. Mix slowly by swirling.

Inject the medication along the side of the penis, not the top or bottom.

Rotate to a new spot each time so as not to form scars.

Press the area gently with a cotton ball after the injection for 5 minutes to prevent any bleeding.

If an erection lasting more than 4 hours has been induced, please report immediately to a hospital.

Wait for your next scheduled dose. Do not double your dose to make up for a missed one.

Special Dietary / Lifestyle Tips

A healthy lifestyle can enhance Alprostadil.

Eat foods that increase blood flow, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Avoid fatty and salty foods. Drink plenty of water.

Limit or avoid drinking alcohol, especially before taking the injection.

Stop smoking since it narrows blood vessels and exacerbates erectile dysfunction.

Try to minimise stress by using relaxation techniques.

Exercise regularly to promote heart health and blood flow.

Consult your doctor about the use of vitamins or herbal supplements, as they could affect the functioning of the drug.

Comparison with Other Treatments

Alprostadil injection is faster in its action than most oral ED tablets.

It takes 5 to 20 minutes to provide results, while drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) take 30 to 60 minutes.

For patients where oral ED medications are contraindicated, such as in certain cardiovascular conditions.

Vacuum pumps that pump blood into the penis or penile implants surgically inserted are other options.

All the methods have their kinda of pros and cons.

Alprostadil is a good choice for those men seeking rapid action and are insensitive to other therapies.

Precautions & Warnings

Consult your physician with your entire medical history before taking Alprostadil.

Let the physician know about heart conditions, blood disorders, or any penile disorders.

Do not inject at the same location each time.

Look for scarring or nodules. If it hurts to get an erection or takes longer than usual, stop taking the medication and call your doctor.

Don’t take the medicine more frequently than your doctor says to.

If you have dizziness, fainting, or chest pain when you use it, seek emergency care.

Do not take Alprostadil with other medications for ED unless your doctor tells you to.

Can I Use It With Other Medicines?

You can safely take Alprostadil with some medications.

Examples include diabetes drugs, cholesterol drugs, and blood pressure medications.

Always have your doctor recommend combining treatments.

Never use this injection with other ED drugs, nitrate medications, or blood thinners.

This could result in harmful effects like severe bleeding or very low blood pressure.

Never use it with any alcohol or street drugs.

These may increase side effects or heighten risks for dizziness and passing out.

Can Be Used With:

Avoid Using With:

Storage

Store Alprostadil in a dry, cool location. Don’t keep it in direct sunshine or heat.

Use the powder combined with liquid immediately, or if instructed, store it in the refrigerator.

Do not freeze the mixture. Keep the vial tightly sealed and out of reach of children and pets.

Before using the solution, check it.  Avoid using if it is hazy or includes particle debris.

Do not inject beyond the expiration date listed on the label.

Dispose of used vials and needles properly in a sharps container.