Alprostadil is a prostaglandin. It relaxes the muscles around your penis and opens the blood vessels to allow more blood to flow into the penis, resulting in the ability to have an erection.

What is alprostadil used for?

• Treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction when used together with other lab tests - Caverject and Caverject Impulse only

Typical dosing for alprostadil

• Treatment of ED: The first injections will be done at the provider's office so they can determine the right dose for you. Depending on the cause of your condition, the typical starting dose ranges from 1.25 mcg to 2.5 mcg injected into the base of the penis. Based on your response, your provider might raise the dose until you achieve an erection that's appropriate for sexual intercourse and doesn't last for longer than 1 hour. If you're using Caverject, the maximum recommended dose is 60 mcg and you shouldn't use more than 2 doses in 24 hours.
• Diagnosis of ED: Together with lab testing, your provider will inject 1 dose of Caverject into the base of your penis and monitor for an erection.

Alprostadil is also available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that's used as a temporary treatment for newborns who are born with certain heart defects. This form of the medication is administered by a healthcare provider.

Alprostadil shouldn't be used more than 3 times per week and shouldn't be given more often than 1 time every 24 hours.

You should receive training from your provider or pharmacist on how to give yourself alprostadil. Make sure you know how to give yourself alprostadil to avoid accidentally hurting yourself or wasting the medication. Read the Instructions For Use (Caverject,  for the medication you're prescribed and contact your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to use this medication.

If you're using Caverjecafter the medication is mixed, store it at or below 77ºF (but do not refrigerate or freeze the medication) and use the dose within 24 hours.

Wipe the site of injection with an alcohol wipe before injection in order to clean the area. After injecting, hold a sterile gauze or alcohol wipe to the injection site for 5 minutes to prevent or stop bleeding.

Only inject alprostadil into the side or base, on the lower one-third of your penis. Make sure to alternate injection sites and the sides of your penis that's injected to avoid skin irritation and pain. Don't inject into visible veins. Doing so can cause the medication to get into your blood stream, which can cause serious heart side effects.

After giving yourself the medication, throw the needle and syringe away in a sharps container or something made of heavy-duty plastic, such as an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle, to lower the risk of needle-stick injuries. Don't throw away needles or syringes in your trash can. When your sharps container is almost full, close it tightly with the cap.

Each alprostadil vial (Caverject), syringe and cartridge should only be used once. Throw them away after you administer the injection. Don't save any leftover medication to avoid infections.

Always check the medication solution to make sure it's clear and colorless before using it. If it's cloudy, discolored, or has particles, don't use it. Contact your Medical Doctor for further advice.

If the needle is bent, throw it away into a sharps container and attach a new, unused needle. Don't try to straighten it because you might poke yourself. Don't re-use or share needles to avoid spreading infections.

Get medical help right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours so you can receive treatment to prevent permanent damage to your penis.

Using alprostadil doesn't protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, and doesn't prevent pregnancy.

You should see your provider every 3 months for check-ups to make sure it's safe for you to continue taking alprostadil and to examine your penis for side effects, such as scarring, skin irritation, and changes in skin color.

If the needle breaks during injection, contact your doctor right away.