Alprostadil

• CAT Number: A000285
• CAS Number: 745-65-3
• Molecular Formula: C20H34O5
• Molecular Weight: 354.5
• Purity: ≥95%
• Synonyms: Prostaglandin E1; 745-65-3; PGE1; Caverject; Edex
• Target: Prostaglandin Receptor
• Solubility: >13.4mg/mL in DMSO
• Storage: -20°C
• InChI: 1S/C20H34O5/c1-2-3-6-9-15(21)12-13-17-16(18(22)14-19(17)23)10-7-4-5-8-11-20(24)25/h12-13,15-17,19,21,23H,2-11,14H2,1H3,(H,24,25)/b13-12+/t15-,16+,17+,19+/m0/s1
• InChIKey: GMVPRGQOIOIIMI-DWKJAMRDSA-N
• SMILES: CCCCCC(C=CC1C(CC(=O)C1CCCCCCC(=O)O)O)O

Alprostadil(CAT: A000285) is a drug used in the continuous treatment of erectile dysfunction and has vasodilatory properties. Alprostadil is also used in maintaining a patent ductus arteriosus in newborns. Alprostadil is also used for critical limb ischemia. It increases blood flow by peripheral vasodilation within five minutes and induces angiogenesis. It is most effective when the ankle pressure is at least 30 mmHg and at least one tibial artery is patent.

Reference

1. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2008 Jun;9(8):1421-9. doi: 10.1517/14656566.9.8.1421 .

An overview and expert opinion on the use of alprostadil in the treatment of
sexual dysfunction.

Costabile RA(1), Mammen T, Hwang K.

Author information:
(1)University of Virginia, Department of Urology, UVA Medical Center, Box 800422,
Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction is a disease affecting millions of men over the
age of 40. Alprostadil, a synthetic form of prostaglandin E(1), was introduced
almost three decades ago, and is today considered an alternative treatment for
erectile dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to educate the reader on the mechanism
of action of alprostadil and outline its indications, side effects, and compare
it with other pharmacologic therapies for erectile dysfunction. Future horizons
for its use are also discussed and an expert opinion on the use of alprostadil is
offered.
METHODS: The historical and recent literature was reviewed to provide a concise
description.
CONCLUSION: Alprostadil is safe and effective in the treatment of erectile
dysfunction, mainly as second-line therapy for patients in which oral treatment
is contraindicated or ineffective.

2. Pharmacotherapy. 1982 May-Jun;2(3):148-55.

Evaluation of alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) in the management of congenital
heart disease in infancy.

Heymann MA, Clyman RI.

Prostaglandins have been shown to relax the smooth muscle of the ductus
arteriosus in the fetus in utero. This physiologic action has been applied to the
management of newborn infants with certain types of congenital malformations.
Infants with lesions producing right ventricular outflow obstruction have a
compromised pulmonary circulation and require a patent ductus arteriosus for
adequate pulmonary blood flow. Infusion of alprostadil (PGE1) dilates the ductus,
increases pulmonary blood flow, and thereby improves oxygenation. Likewise,
infants with aortic arch interruption or coarctation of the aorta are dependent
on an open ductus to maintain lower body perfusion. Alprostadil is of great
benefit in this situation as well. The side effects of alprostadil include
peripheral vasodilation and hypotension and, most importantly, apnea.
Hyperpyrexia and jitteriness may also occur. Side effects occur only in about 20%
of infants and usually are easily reversed. The benefits therefore greatly
outweigh the risks, but careful monitoring is essential.