Alprostadil
Alprostadil Information

About Alprostadil

Alprostadil is a vasodilator and platelet aggregation inhibitor, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). It belongs to group of compounds called autacoids (autacoids function as a local hormone). Chemically Alprostadil is identified as (11a, 13E, 15S)-11, 15-dihydroxy-9-oxoprost-13-en-1-oic acid. Alprostadil is isolated from the seminal vesicle tissues of sheep. Alprostadil is used for temporary maintenance of the patent ductus arteriosus until corrective or palliative surgery can be performed in neonates with congenital heart defects. Administered intravenously or intra-arterially.

Indications

Alprostadil is primarily indicated in conditions like Patency of ductus arteriosus, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Congestive heart failure, Erectile dysfunction, Ischaemic heart disease, Liver diseases, Pulmonary hypertension, Respiratory distress syndrome.

Contraindication

Alprostadil is contraindicated in conditions like Asthma,Bronchospasm.

Side Effects

Alprostadil produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Apnea, Seizures, Severe Hypotension, Severe hypotension. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Alprostadil therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Alprostadil include Bradycardia, Hypotension, Flushing, Apnea, Pyrexia.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Alprostadil are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Diarrhea, Abdominal cramps, Flushing, Reaction at injection site, dizziness.

Warnings

Alprostadil should be used with caution in patients with sickle cell anemia, leukemia, multiple myeloma or any allergies. This medication is not to be used by women or children. Should be used with caution in neonates with bleeding tendencies, respiratory distress syndrome.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.