Alpostin 500 Mcg Injection 1ml

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Akanksha Kaushal

Dr. Akanksha, Pharm-D

Dr. Akansha is a licensed Clinical Pharmacologist with extensive expertise in pharmacovigilance, prescription analysis, drug information, and safety. She's a dedicated educator and avid learner. Dr. Akansha also reviews medical content on GoodRxMedicine, ensuring accurate pharmaceutical information is accessible to all.

Written by

Julian Carter

Julian Carter

Julian, an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, brings a dynamic blend of expertise and impact with his contributions at GoodRxMedicine. His dedication and innovative spirit continue to shape a brighter future in pharmaceutical management.

What is Alpostin 500 mcg?

Alpostin 500 mcg is a vasodilator medication mainly used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and other peripheral vascular disease. It contains Alprostadil, a vasodilator that works by relaxing blood arteries and increasing blood flow to specific locations, including the penis. 

The medication is also used for ductus arteriosus maintenance in newborns with congenital cardiac abnormalities. Samarth Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. primarily manufactures the medication.

Uses of Alpostin 500 mcg

Alpostin 500 mcg injection serves the following purposes:

• Improves blood supply to the penis, which aids in obtaining and maintaining an erection.
• Used to address blood circulation issues, such as Critical Limb Ischemia.
• Keeps the ductus arteriosus (blood vessel) open in infants with specific heart defects until corrective surgery.
• It is sometimes prescribed to manage symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension (high blood pressure inside the lungs).

Working and benefits of Alprostadil

Alprostadil, a vasodilator, relaxes smooth muscle tissues and dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow. In Erectile Dysfunction (ED), it relaxes the smooth muscles of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscles of the penis and raises cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) levels. cGMP is a substance that triggers the relaxation of the blood vessels. 

Increased cGMP levels lead to better penile blood circulation, resulting in an erection. In infants with congenital heart abnormalities, it keeps the ductus arteriosus open by relaxing vascular smooth muscles maintaining appropriate blood flow until corrective surgery. 

The following are some benefits of Alprostadil for ED:

• Effective Erectile Dysfunction treatment: Alprostadil is a very successful treatment for ED, with studies indicating that it can help men attain and maintain an erection in roughly 81% of cases.
• Alternative for non-respondents: It provides a viable option for people who do not react to or cannot take oral Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, making it appropriate for a wider variety of patients.
• Multiple administration routes: Alprostadil injection can be delivered into the penis or as a urethral suppository, giving patients a choice based on their preferences.
• Minimal systemic absorption: When taken topically or by urethral administration, Alprostadil has limited systemic absorption, lowering the risk of adverse effects.

Dosage and how to take Alpostin 500 mcg Injection

Use Alpostin 500 mcg only as prescribed by a healthcare professional. General usage guidelines include:

• A certified doctor should administer the injection in a hospital or clinical facility.
• It is injected either directly into the penile tissue (intracavernosal) for ED or into a vein (intravenous) for certain medical conditions in newborns.
• Change injection sites to prevent tissue damage.
• Follow the prescribed dosage and frequency suggested by your doctor.

Side effects

Some individuals may experience mild side effects after getting the injection. These side effects go away as your body adapts to the medication.

• Pain at the site of injection
• Burning sensation
• Redness
• Swelling
• Dizziness

If any of these side effects persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Interactions

Alpostin can interact with some medications, health conditions, and food items, interfering with the effectiveness and safety profile of the injection.

Drug interactions

The injection can interact with the following medications, increasing the likelihood of possible side effects:

• Anticoagulants
• Blood thinners
• Other Vasodilators like Nitrates
• PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil and Tadalafil
• Sympathomimetics (e.g., Epinephrine)

This is not the final list of medications interacting with the Alpostin 500 mcg injection. For further assistance reach out to your doctor.

Disease interactions

Alpostin may interact with the following medical conditions, requiring caution or medical supervision:

• Cardiovascular diseases: Can cause a reduction in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness or fainting, particularly in heart disease patients.
• Penile conditions: Should be avoided in males with anatomical penile abnormalities (e.g., Peyronie's disease) or fibrosis since it could worsen the problem.
• Blood disorders: Increases the risk of bleeding in people with Hemophilia or those taking anticoagulants.
• Respiratory disorders (For neonatal use): Apnea (breathing problems) can occur in neonates with undeveloped lungs.
• Priapism risk: Higher risk of Priapism (prolonged painful erection) in illnesses such as Sickle Cell Anemia, Leukemia, and Multiple Myeloma.

Food interactions

Although no direct food interactions have been found for Alpostin 500 mcg injection, limited alcohol intake is advised as it may lead to dizziness. For more detailed information, it is best to talk to your doctor once before beginning the treatment.

Precautions

The following key precautions should be taken while having Alpostin injection:

• This injection is not for women or children below 18.
• Never drive or operate machinery while using this injection, as it may cause dizziness.
• Do not use more than one injection within 24 hours.
• If bleeding happens at the injection site, apply pressure for approximately 5 minutes. If the bleeding continues, seek medical help.
• To avoid infection, clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
• If you get an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, call your doctor immediately.

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FAQs

What should I do if I miss a dose of Alpostin 500 mcg Injection?

If you forget a dosage of Alpostin injection, take it as soon as you recall. If the missed dosage is close to the next one, skip it. Don't double the dosage. Always adhere to your doctor's recommendations for optimal use.

Is a prescription required to buy Alpostin 500 mcg Injection?

Yes, a prescription is necessary to purchase Alpostin. It contains FDA-approved Alprostadil, a prescription medicine used to treat ED and some cardiac problems in infants. Due to probable adverse effects and dose limitations, medical monitoring and prescription are required.

How should Alpostin 500 mcg Injection be stored?

Alpostin injection should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Keep it away from direct light. Don't freeze. If necessary, it 7*can be kept at room temperature (below 25°C) for a short time as directed by a doctor.

Does Alpostin improve sperm count or fertility?

No, Alpostin does not boost sperm count or fertility. It primarily aids in erection formation by increasing blood flow to the penis but has no direct effect on sperm generation, motility, or overall fertility.

Can Alpostin be taken daily?

No, Alpostin should not be taken every day. It is advised that you use it no more than three times each week, with at least a 24-hour interval between doses. Frequent usage may raise the risk of penile scarring, priapism, and other complications.