alprostadil

A vasodilator used for palliative therapy to temporarily maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus in neonates with congenital heart defects. SYN: prostaglandin E₁.

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al·pros·ta·dil al-'präs-tə-dil n a vasodilating prostaglandin C₂₀H₃₄O₅ used esp. to treat erectile dysfunction called also prostaglandin E₁

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n.

a prostaglandin drug (PGE₁) administered by infusion to improve lung blood flow in newborn babies with congenital heart defects who are awaiting surgery; it acts by preventing the closure of the blood vessel connecting the aorta to the pulmonary artery (see ductus arteriosus). Possible side-effects include diminished respiratory efforts. Alprostadil is also administered by injection into the corpora cavernosa of the penis or by application into the urethra to treat erectile impotence in men; side-effects may include dizziness and headache. Trade names: Caverject, MUSE, Prostin VR.

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al·pros·ta·dil (al-prosґtə-dil) [USP] name for prostaglandin E_{1> when used pharmaceutically as a vasodilator and platelet aggregation inhibitor; used for the temporary maintenance of} patent ductus arteriosus until corrective or palliative surgery can be performed in neonates with congenital heart defects; administered intravenously or intra-arterially. It is also administered by intracavernosal injection, intraurethral suppository, or the rectal route to facilitate erection in men with impotence; an intracavernosal injection is used as an aid in diagnosis of erectile dysfunction and in imaging of penile vasculature.