alprostadil

alprostadil /al·pros·ta·dil/ (al-pros´tah-dil) name for prostaglandin E when used pharmaceutically as a vasodilator and platelet aggregation inhibitor; used for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus and the diagnosis and treatment of impotence.

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al·pros·ta·dil (l-prst-dl)

n.

A prostaglandin drug that acts as a vasodilator and is used to treat erectile dysfunction.

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Alprostadil

A smooth muscle relaxant sometimes injected into the penis or applied to the urethral opening to treat impotence.

Mentioned in: Impotence

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alprostadil,

a proprietary form of prostaglandin E₁ used to treat impotence and (temporarily) to maintain the patency of the ductus arteriosus in certain neonates.

indication It is recommended as palliative therapy for neonates awaiting surgery to correct congenital cardiac anomalies, such as tetralogy of Fallot and tricuspid atresia.

contraindications It is contraindicated in respiratory distress syndrome and in cases of known hypersensitivity. This drug is contraindicated in pregnant patients.

adverse effects The most common adverse effects are apnea, fever, seizures, cerebral bleeding, flushing, bradycardia, and hypertension.

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alprostadil (alpros´tdil´),

n brand name: Caverject;
drug class: naturally occurring prostaglandin;
action: induces erection by relaxation of trabecular smooth muscle and by dilation of cavernosal arteries;
uses: treatment of erectile dysfunction caused by neurogenic, vasculogenic, psychogenetic, or mixed etiology.

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alprostadil

Urology A formulation of PGE-1 which relaxes the corpus cavernosum, allowing engorging during erection. See Erectile dysfunction, Orgasm.