alprostadil
Trade Name Caverject
How Available injections
Drug Group prostaglandin
Prescription Required Yes

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Uses Alprostadil is used in adult males for problems in achieving
and maintaining an erection. Injections can also be used to help
establish the cause of erection problems.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
How it Works This medication is injected directly into the structure of
the penis known as the corpus cavernosum. Here it relaxes the smooth
muscle that surrounds many of the tissues within the corpus cavernosum,
most importantly the small arteries that run in the tissue. This
dilation increases the amount and pressure of the blood in the
structure, creating an erection.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usual Dosage The duration of the erection is directly related to the
dose given. Small volumes os solution are given initially and the dose
increased slowly depending on the result. ( Two and a half mcicrograms
is the initial dose. This dose is given to both sides of the penis. )
Narrow 27 to 30 gauge needles are used. It is important that a trained
doctor supervise the initial doses, to ensure that subsequent doses are
given correctly. Erection usually starts within five to twenty minutes
of the injection and its duration depends on the dose. No more than one
injection is recommended per day ( three in a week)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Side-Effects Pain and a burning sensation during erection are the
most common side-effects. Bruising and blood vessel trauma at the site
of injection are possible. Local itching and swelling, testicular
discomfort, numbness and penile deviation are possible. Excessively
prolonged erection ( priapism ) is possible.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions with Other Drugs Nil known. Intracaversal bleeding may be
increased in males taking warfarin or heparin.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breastfeeding, Pregnancy Not applicable.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Features, Comments Alprostadil injections need to be
refrigerated and brought to room temperature for each dose slowly,
before the injections are given. Ampoules should not be immersed in hot
water, nor reheated in a microwave oven. Alprostadil should not be given
to men who already have fibrosis of the penis or any condition ( sickle
cell anaemia, leukaemia or multiple myeloma) which might cause prolonged
erection ( priapism).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Use in Sport Use permitted.
This information is intended to act as a guide only. It does not contain
all the information about this drug, especially side-effects and drug
interactions. If you are unsure about any aspect of the medication,
consult your doctor or pharmacist.This material is only intended for use
within Australia. Copyright © Dr. M. Goyen. The Australian Guide to
Medications Watermark Press $19.95 plus $4.90 postage and handling. P.O.
Box 63 Balmain NSW 2041. Internet URL http://www.avm.com.au
------------------------------------------------------------------------