Alprostadil Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Alprostadil Cream (generic name alprostadil) is a prostaglandin E1 vasodilator applied to the tip of the penis to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It works by widening blood vessels to increase blood flow to the penis, helping with achieving and maintaining an erection. It is also available as an injection or as a urethral pellet.

What is Alprostadil Cream

Alprostadil cream is a medicine applied to the tip of the penis to treat erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection). It is also available as an injection or as a small pellet placed into the urethra.

Alprostadil Cream uses

• Erectile dysfunction in adult men.
• Difficulty achieving an erection.
• Difficulty maintaining an erection.
• Erectile dysfunction when an appropriate topical treatment is selected.
• Erectile dysfunction when oral medicines are unsuitable or ineffective.

Benefits of Alprostadil Cream

• Helps improve erectile function.
• Supports increased blood flow to penile tissue.
• May help achieve an erection.
• May help maintain an erection during sexual activity.
• Offers a non-oral treatment option for erectile dysfunction.

How Alprostadil Cream works

Alprostadil widens (dilates) blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the penis and causes an erection.

Alprostadil Cream dosage

Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to use the cream before you use it at home. The cream is supplied in a syringe-like container but must not be inserted into the penis or injected. Each container is meant to be used only once.

If your partner is pregnant, use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom during sex to help protect against harm to the unborn baby and to avoid irritation to your partner. Keep your regular follow-up appointments with your doctor so they can check your progress. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that may help, such as reducing stress, stopping smoking, or cutting back on alcohol.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream (urethral cream)
• Injection
• Urethral pellet (urethral application)

Side effects of Alprostadil Cream

Common

• Painful penis or a burning sensation
• Headache
• Feeling dizzy or light-headed
• Testicular pain
• Leg cramps
• Bruising

Serious

• Erection lasting 4 hours or longer
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe genital swelling or pain
• Allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you have a deformed penis, scar tissue, or Peyronie's disease, as it increases the risk of permanent loss of sexual function.
• Do not use this medicine if you have sickle cell disease, leukemia, or multiple myeloma, as these conditions can increase the risk of prolonged, painful erections.
• Sexual activity can put extra strain on the heart. Talk to your doctor about whether your heart is healthy enough for sex, especially if you have heart or blood vessel problems.
• This medicine does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
• Never give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have a similar condition.
• Pregnancy: This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women. If your partner is pregnant, use a condom during sex to help protect against harm to the unborn baby.
• Breastfeeding: This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
• Alcohol: It is not known how alcohol interacts with this medicine, so check with your doctor before drinking.
• Driving: This medicine can cause dizziness or light-headedness, so do not drive or use tools or machinery if you feel dizzy.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light
• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children
• If you have been prescribed Vitaros, your supply should be stored in a refrigerator
• Sachets of Vitaros can be kept out of the fridge for up to three days before use. If they remain unused after this time, they should be disposed of

When to see a doctor

• Stop using the medicine and get emergency help if you have an erection that is painful or that lasts more than four hours.
• Get medical help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as breathing problems, swelling of the face or throat, or hives.
• Tell your doctor right away if you notice new or worsening pain, swelling, redness, hard lumps, or an unusual curve in your penis, as these may be signs of scar tissue.
• If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down, and tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
• If you suspect an overdose, go to the emergency department of your local hospital and take the medicine container with you, even if it is empty.

Alternatives

• Vardenafil
• Tadalafil
• Sildenafil