Alprostadil (PGE1)
Brand names: Caverject, MUSE, Prostin VR, Edex
Alprostadil is a synthetic prostaglandin E1; in vascular practice it is used as an infusion for severe peripheral arterial disease and critical limb ischaemia, and intracavernosally or intraurethrally for erectile dysfunction.
The product information we hold does not support a dose for this page's specific use, route or population, so none is shown. Follow your local or national guideline, and confirm against the product SmPC.
Clinical monograph
How it works
As prostaglandin E1 it is a potent vasodilator that also inhibits platelet aggregation, improving microcirculatory and arterial blood flow.
Prescribing in practice
- Its vasodilatory action can cause significant hypotension, so blood pressure must be monitored closely during infusion and the rate adjusted accordingly.
- It is contraindicated in conditions where increased blood flow is hazardous, including certain severe cardiac disease and pulmonary infiltration.
- When used for erectile dysfunction it carries a risk of prolonged painful erection (priapism) requiring urgent treatment.
Monitoring
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and fluid status during intravenous infusion and observe for systemic vasodilatory effects.
Counselling the patient
- Infusion may cause flushing, headache and a drop in blood pressure.
- If used for erectile dysfunction, seek urgent care for an erection lasting several hours.
Evidence & guidelines
Prostaglandin E1 infusion is supported for pain relief and ulcer healing in critical limb ischaemia where revascularisation is not feasible.
Reference: SPC Prostin VR; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.