Description
Alprostadil (Prostaglandin E1, PGE1) is a synthetic prostaglandin approved in multiple clinical indications: intracavernous application for erectile dysfunction (Caverject), urethral application (MUSE), and in pediatric cardiology to maintain patent ductus arteriosus.
Per study reports Alprostadil binds to prostaglandin EP receptors in vascular smooth muscle. In the penile corpus cavernosum activation leads to vasodilation of trabecular arterioles and to smooth muscle relaxation - with consequent erection promotion.
Compared to PDE-5 inhibitors (Tadalafil, Sildenafil), Alprostadil has two important differences: first, local application form (intracavernous or intra-urethral) instead of oral; second, action independent of sexual stimulation. This makes Alprostadil a tool for PDE-5 non-responders or for research setups with completely neural ED mechanism.
Pharmacokinetically very short - after injection into corpus cavernosum half-life of a few minutes. Action begins within 5-10 minutes and lasts 30-60 minutes.
Known effects: local pain at injection site (in the majority of users), more rarely priapism (prolonged erection over 4 hours). At very high doses systemic vasodilation with blood pressure drop.
You can order Alprostadil as lyophilized peptide in 5-pack at 20mcg per vial.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
Alprostadil is a prostaglandin approved in multiple clinical indications and is therefore well characterized, but as a vasodilator with local application it shows a defined risk profile.
Documented in clinical studies and the literature:
- Local pain: pain at the injection site is among the most common observations with intracavernous application according to the literature.
- Priapism: a prolonged erection over several hours is a documented risk, particularly at higher dosages, and is regarded as a serious complication.
- Hypotension: at higher doses the vasodilatory effect can become systemic and trigger a blood pressure drop.
- Dangerous combinations: in parallel with PDE-5 inhibitors such as tadalafil or sildenafil, additive vasodilation is documented.
- Local reactions: beyond pain, the literature describes tissue reactions with repeated application at the same site.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- Efficacy and Safety of Intracavernosal Alprostadil in Men with Erectile Dysfunction - NEJM 1996, Linet & Ogrinc: classic approval study on intracavernous application.
- Treatment of Men with Erectile Dysfunction with Transurethral Alprostadil - NEJM 1997, Padma-Nathan et al: pivotal approval study on the MUSE system (transurethral application).
- Intracavernous prostaglandin E1 in erectile dysfunction - Journal of Molecular Medicine 1994, Linet: review of the pharmacology of intracavernous PGE1 application.
- Transurethral Alprostadil with MUSE vs intracavernous Alprostadil - a comparative study in 103 patients with erectile dysfunction - International Journal of Impotence Research 1997, Porst: direct comparison of both routes of application.
- Characterization of prostaglandin E receptor subtypes involved in the relaxation of rabbit penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle - Biomedical Research 2004, Sato et al: mechanism study on EP receptor action in the corpus cavernosum.
