Sexual & SkinResearch profile

Alprostadil

PGE1 · Prostaglandin E1 · Caverject · Edex · Muse · Prostin VR

Think of it as a jump-starter for blood flow.

Alprostadil is like a backstage pass for blood, opening up pathways where it's needed most. When it comes to erectile dysfunction, this compound helps by relaxing certain muscles and widening blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily into areas that require it for an erection. It's not dependent on the usual signals from the brain that are involved in sexual arousal, which makes it a unique option for those who might not respond to other treatments.

It also finds a niche role in helping newborns with specific heart conditions, keeping important blood vessels open until they can receive more permanent medical solutions. It's a versatile tool in the medical toolkit, but it's not something you'd use casually.

Who it's for

Men who haven't had success with traditional ED medications.
Those recovering from prostate surgery and looking to maintain function.
Parents of newborns with specific heart conditions, in a medical setting.

Probably not for you if…

People looking for an over-the-counter solution to ED.
Anyone uncomfortable with the idea of injections or suppositories.
Those expecting a quick fix without medical supervision.

Editorial summary for research context · Not medical advice

Mechanism of Action

Alprostadil is synthetic prostaglandin E1. It activates prostaglandin EP receptors on vascular smooth muscle, raising intracellular cAMP and reducing cytosolic calcium. This produces vasodilation and smooth-muscle relaxation. Intracavernosal or intraurethral administration relaxes corpus cavernosum smooth muscle and dilates cavernosal arteries, producing erection independent of sexual stimulation and central neural pathways. IV alprostadil maintains ductal patency in neonates with ductal-dependent congenital heart disease. FDA-approved as Caverject, Edex, and Muse for erectile dysfunction, and as Prostin VR for patent ductus arteriosus. Prescription-only.

Researched Benefits

Erectile dysfunction (FDA-approved)

Randomized trials and meta-analyses demonstrate efficacy in men with vasculogenic, neurogenic, and psychogenic ED, including PDE5-inhibitor nonresponders.

[Linet & Ogrinc 1996]
[Porst et al. 1998]

Penile rehabilitation post-prostatectomy

Urology protocols use intracavernosal alprostadil to preserve cavernous oxygenation and reduce fibrosis in men recovering from radical prostatectomy.

[Mulhall et al. 2005]

Neonatal ductal patency (FDA-approved)

Continuous IV infusion maintains ductus arteriosus patency in neonates awaiting surgical repair of ductal-dependent lesions.

[Freed et al. 1981]

Research Protocols

The following dosing ranges have appeared in published research protocols. Presented for informational purposes only — not a recommendation for human use.

Erectile dysfunction (physician-directed)

Dosage: 10 mcg
Frequency: as needed, no more than 3x weekly
Timing: intracavernosal injection 5-10 min before intercourse
Cycle: —

Starting dose 2.5-5 mcg, titrated to 10-40 mcg based on response and duration of erection. Maximum 3 doses per week and no more than 1 per 24 hours. First dose should always be administered under physician supervision. Prescription-only.

Intraurethral (MUSE) delivery

Dosage: 500 mcg
Frequency: as needed
Timing: intraurethral pellet 5-10 min before intercourse
Cycle: —

MUSE pellets available in 125-1000 mcg strengths; starting dose typically 250-500 mcg. Lower efficacy than intracavernosal injection but avoids needles.

Reported Side Effects

Penile pain (most common, 30-40% of intracavernosal users)
Prolonged erection / priapism (requires urgent medical evaluation if >4 hours)
Penile fibrosis or Peyronie-like plaques with chronic use
Injection-site hematoma
Hypotension (more relevant to IV use)
Apnea in neonates (IV use)
Urethral burning with intraurethral formulation

Contraindications

Conditions predisposing to priapism (sickle cell disease/trait, multiple myeloma, leukemia)
Penile anatomic deformation or fibrotic plaques
Penile implants
Men in whom sexual activity is inadvisable
Hypersensitivity to alprostadil
Partner pregnancy (for intraurethral use without condom — contains PGE1 absorbed vaginally)

Stacking Partners

Peptides commonly paired with Alprostadil in published research and protocol write-ups.

sexual skin

PT-141

Central sexual desire modulation (HSDD)

Vendor Pricing

No tracked vendors carry this peptide yet. Check back as we add more affiliate partners.

Gear + Companions

Reconstitution supplies and research-backed supplement companions for Alprostadil. Editorial picks only — we earn a commission through Amazon on the click, no sponsorship.

Gear you'll need

· Reconstitution + storage essentials

Bacteriostatic Water 30mL (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Empower Pharmacy / generic medical supply
Reconstitutes every lyophilized peptide. 28-day viability refrigerated.
View at Pantheon →
Insulin Syringes 31G × 5/16" × 0.5mL (100 count)
EasyTouch
31G × 0.5mL insulin syringes — the default size for sub-0.25mL peptide doses.
Buy on Amazon →
Alcohol Prep Pads (Sterile, 200 count)
Dynarex
Sterile 70% IPA prep pads — one per vial stopper + one per injection site.
Buy on Amazon →
1-Quart Sharps Disposal Container
BD / Becton Dickinson
FDA-cleared sharps container — pharmacies won't accept improvised disposal.
Buy on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases · Disclosed per FTC guidelines

Research Papers

Efficacy and safety of intracavernosal alprostadil in men with erectile dysfunction
Linet OI, Ogrinc FG · New England Journal of Medicine · 1996
PubMed 8637540 →
Transurethral alprostadil with MUSE (medicated urethral system for erection) vs intracavernous alprostadil
Porst H, et al. · International Journal of Impotence Research · 1998
PubMed 9814842 →

Alprostadil

Mechanism of Action