Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), also known as alprostadil, is a naturally occurring prostaglandin which is used as a medication. In infants with congenital heart defects, it is delivered by slow injection into a vein to open the ductus arteriosus until surgery can be carried out. By injection into the penis or placement in the urethra, it is used to treat erectile dysfunction.Common side effects when given to babies include decreased breathing, fever, and low blood pressure. When used for erectile dysfunction side effects may include penile pain, bleeding at the site of injection, and prolonged erection (priapism). Prostaglandin E1 is in the vasodilator family of medications. It works by opening blood vessels and relaxing smooth muscle.Prostaglandin E1 was isolated in 1957 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1981. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. Medical uses
Patent ductus arteriosus
Alprostadil is also used in maintaining a patent ductus arteriosus in newborns. This is primarily useful when the threat of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus exists in an infant with ductal-dependent congenital heart disease, including cyanotic lesions (e.g., hypoplastic left heart syndrome,  pulmonary atresia/stenosis, tricuspid atresia/stenosis, transposition of the great arteries) and acyanotic lesions (e.g., coarctation of the aorta, critical aortic stenosis, and interrupted aortic arch). Sexual dysfunction
Alprostadil is sold in the United States as urethral suppositories and in injectable form. The suppositories are sold under the brand name Muse. The injectable forms are Edex and Caverject.
It has no known interactions with food, alcohol or other medications making it safer than other treatments containing alprostadil. Similarly to the Bimix and Trimix injections though, it must be kept under cool temperatures. Critical limb ischemia
Prostanoids, including alprostadil, do not reduce the risk of limb amputation but may offer a slight improvement in rest-pain and leg ulcer healing in persons with critical limb ischemia. Contrast-induced nephropathy
Preventative administration of alprostadil may reduce the risk of kidney injury (specifically contrast-induced nephropathy) in persons having cardiac angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention. Adverse effects
Biosynthesis
Prostaglandin E1 is biosynthesized on an as-needed basis from dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) in healthy humans without coronary artery disease and/or a genetic disorder. Other versions
Misoprostol is another synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog used to prevent gastric ulcers when taken on a continuous basis, to treat missed miscarriage, to induce labor, and to induce abortion. References
External links
"Alprostadil". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.