Alprostadil Injection 500 mcg (Prostacel)

Alprostadil Injection 500 mcg Overview

Alprostadil Injection 500 mcg (Prostacel) is a hospital‑use prostaglandin E1 medicine that relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. It’s primarily used in newborns with certain congenital heart defects to keep the ductus arteriosus open until a surgical or catheter‑based procedure can be performed. This strength is for professional use only and is not for self‑administration.

Conditions It Supports

• Ductal‑dependent congenital heart disease in neonates
• Examples: pulmonary atresia, critical pulmonary stenosis, transposition of the great arteries, critical coarctation, hypoplastic left heart syndrome
• Temporary stabilization while definitive treatment is planned

How Alprostadil Works

Alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) activates receptors on vascular smooth muscle, raising cyclic AMP and causing vasodilation. In neonates, this helps maintain ductal patency, improving oxygen delivery and blood flow to vital organs until the next step in care.

Professional Administration Only

• Prepared and diluted by trained clinicians per hospital protocol
• Given as a carefully titrated IV infusion via pump
• Continuous monitoring of oxygenation, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing
• Dose adjusted to clinical response; discontinued when no longer needed Note: This product is not intended for at‑home erectile dysfunction treatment. Adult ED uses other alprostadil forms and doses under urology supervision.

Safety Warnings And Monitoring

• Hospital monitoring is essential, especially in premature or critically ill infants
• Risk of apnea; airway support may be required
• Watch for hypotension, temperature changes, and fluid/electrolyte shifts
• Use caution with respiratory compromise, bleeding risk, or suspected infection
• Inform the care team about all concurrent medications

Possible Side Effects List

Often dose‑related and usually reversible with adjustment or discontinuation:

• Flushing, fever, irritability
• Hypotension, bradycardia or tachycardia
• Apnea (more common in neonates)
• Diarrhea, abdominal discomfort
• Local infusion‑site redness or irritation Seek urgent help for severe breathing problems, marked blood pressure changes, or other concerning reactions.

Drug Interactions And Cautions

• Additive effects with vasodilators or antihypertensives may increase hypotension
• Anticoagulants/antiplatelets can raise bleeding risk—monitor closely
• Provide complete medication and medical history to avoid overlapping therapies
• Not for women or use outside a supervised clinical setting

Storage And Handling Guide

• Stored by hospitals/pharmacies per manufacturer guidance (often refrigerated, protected from light)
• Prepare with aseptic technique; follow beyond‑use times after dilution
• Dispose of single‑use components per facility protocol
• Keep out of reach of children

Quick Prostacel FAQs