Alprostadil Prescription

Alprostadil is a prescription medication typically prescribed to adults to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).^{1, 2} It comes in two forms: as a powder mixed with a provided liquid that is injected into the penis, and as a suppository or small pellet that is placed within the opening of the urethra (known as transurethral alprostadil).^{1, 2} Injectable alprostadil is sold under the brand names of Caverject, Edex, and Prostin VR, while the brand name of the alprostadil suppository is Muse.^{1, 3}

While we do not currently prescribe alprostadil, our board-certified doctors are happy to discuss men’s health and sexual health make a referral to a physician who can prescribe this or other ED medications. 

Alprostadil is a type of medication called a vasodilator.^{1, 2} Vasodilators work by opening up the blood vessels by relaxing their walls and preventing them from contracting.⁴ In the case of alprostadil, the injection into the penis dilates the blood vessels that allow blood to flow in and erection to occur.^{1, 2}

Erections typically occur within 5-10 minutes of administering an injection of alprostadil and within 5-20 minutes of inserting the suppository, and erections should last 30 minutes to an hour with each use and may persist even after ejaculation occurs.^{1, 3}

Research has indicated that the injectable form of alprostadil tends to be more effective than the suppository form when treating erectile dysfunction.^{3, 5} About 80% of men can obtain and sustain an erection that is firm enough to have sexual intercourse when using injectable alprostadil.^{2, 3}