Alprostadil (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 7, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Prostin VR Pediatric

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Prostaglandin

Uses for alprostadil

Alprostadil injection is used to treat certain heart, lung, and blood vessel problems in infants. It is used to temporarily keep the ductus arteriosus (blood vessel in the heart) open before having a surgery.

Alprostadil is to be given only by or under the supervision of your child''s doctor.

Before using alprostadil

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alprostadil, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alprostadil or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of alprostadil injection in newborn babies.

Geriatric

Use of alprostadil is not indicated for geriatric patients.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving alprostadil, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using alprostadil with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Heparin

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of alprostadil. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Bleeding problems or
• Blood vessel problems (eg, aneurysm) or
• Heart disease or
• Lung disease or breathing problems (eg, respiratory distress syndrome) or
• Stomach blockage—Use with caution. May increase risk for more serious side effects.

Proper use of alprostadil

A nurse or other health provider will give your baby alprostadil. It is given through a needle or a catheter placed in a vein. It may also be given through a catheter in your baby''s umbilical cord.

Precautions while using alprostadil

The doctor will check your child''s progress closely while your child is receiving alprostadil. This will allow the doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Alprostadil may cause apnea (temporary stopping of breathing) in newborn babies. Tell the doctor right away if your child has bluish lips or skin or not breathing after receiving the medicine.

Using alprostadil for a long time may cause unwanted effects (eg, bone problems). Ask your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Alprostadil side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Bluish lips or skin
• chest pain or discomfort
• feeling of warmth
• fever
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• not breathing
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• unusual tiredness

Less common

• Blood in the urine or stools
• bruising
• confusion
• convulsions
• coughing or vomiting blood
• decreased urine
• dry mouth
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• increased thirst
• loss of appetite
• mood changes
• no blood pressure or pulse
• persistent bleeding or oozing from puncture sites, mouth, or nose
• rash
• seizures
• unconsciousness
• vomiting

Rare

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• anxiety
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• clumsiness
• cold clammy skin
• difficult or troubled breathing
• dilated neck veins
• fainting
• low body temperature
• neck is bent backward
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• restlessness
• shivering or chills
• slow to respond
• sweating
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or sleepiness
• unusually irritable
• weak or feeble pulse
• yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Diarrhea

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer