Prostacel 500mcg Injection (Alprostadil)
Price range: $150.00 through $599.00
Prostacel 500mcg Injection (Alprostadil) is a prescription medicine most commonly used in hospital settings to help keep a newborn's ductus arteriosus open when certain congenital heart defects limit blood flow. It's given as a controlled IV infusion with close monitoring. This product is not the same as the low-dose alprostadil injections used for erectile dysfunction.
| Active Ingredient: | Alprostadil |
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| Indication: | Erectile Dysfunction |
| Manufacturer: | Celon Laboratories Ltd |
| Packaging: | 1 ml in 1 vial |
| Strength: | 500mcg |
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About Prostacel 500mcg Injection (Alprostadil)
Prostacel 500mcg Injection (Alprostadil) contains alprostadil, a prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) medicine used mainly in critical care, especially for newborns with specific heart conditions. In some congenital heart defects, a baby may depend on a naturally occurring blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, to remain open after birth so blood can circulate and receive proper oxygenation. Prostacel is used to help maintain that opening until a procedure, surgery, or other definitive treatment can be done.What Prostacel is used for
Alprostadil in this strength is typically used to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus in neonates with ductal-dependent congenital heart disease. This can be important in conditions where blood flow to the lungs or the body is restricted. Alprostadil is also used in other forms and much smaller doses for erectile dysfunction, but that is usually with different products, dosing, and administration methods. Prostacel 500 mcg is generally intended for IV infusion under medical supervision, not for self-administration.How it works
Alprostadil helps relax smooth muscle in blood vessels. In newborns, that relaxation effect can help keep the ductus arteriosus from closing too soon. The result is improved blood mixing and circulation until the underlying heart issue can be managed.
How is it given
Healthcare professionals administer Prostacel as a carefully controlled intravenous (IV) infusion. Dosing is individualized and based on the baby's weight and clinical response. Because the medication can affect breathing and blood pressure, it is usually given in settings with continuous monitoring (often in the NICU or a similar unit).
Monitoring and precautions that matter
Because alprostadil can cause significant physiologic changes, clinicians often monitor:
- Breathing status (risk of breathing pauses in some newborns)
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Oxygenation and overall perfusion
- Temperature and general tolerance
Tell the care team about any known medication allergies or any unusual reactions to prostaglandins (if known). In newborn care, the prescriber typically weighs benefits and risks based on the specific heart defect and the baby's stability.
Side Effects of Prostacel 500mcg
Side effects can vary based on the baby's condition, dose, and monitoring setting. Potential effects may include:
- Apnea (breathing pauses), especially in very young or low-birth-weight infants
- Low blood pressure
- Flushing
- Fever
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia) or changes in heart rate
- Diarrhea
- Swelling, irritability, or, less commonly, more serious reactions
If you are a caregiver, it is normal not to "see" every side effect directly, since the baby is continuously monitored and the clinical team responds quickly to changes.
Storage and handling
This is a hospital-type injectable medication. Storage conditions can vary by manufacturer and packaging, so it's best to follow the product labeling or pharmacist instructions. Many alprostadil injection products are stored refrigerated and protected from light, and prepared solutions may have specific stability limits.
Available Strengths / Other Dosages
Alprostadil is available in multiple strengths and dosage forms depending on the indication:
- Alprostadil injection 500 mcg/mL (commonly used for neonatal ductus arteriosus patency; often supplied as ampules/vials depending on brand)
- Intracavernosal alprostadil (for erectile dysfunction)
- Intraurethral alprostadil (pellet/suppository)
Only a prescriber can determine what form and strength is appropriate. These are not interchangeable.
Substitutes / Alternatives already on the market
Substitution depends on the indication, concentration, and route of administration. Options your clinician may consider include:
- Prostin VR Pediatric (alprostadil) (brand alternative commonly used for neonatal indications)
- Generic alprostadil injection (PGE1) from various manufacturers (same active ingredient, labeling/packaging may differ)
- For erectile dysfunction indications (not equivalent to Prostacel 500mcg): Caverject, Edex, or MUSE (different strengths and routes)
Do not switch between neonatal infusion products and erectile dysfunction products without explicit prescriber direction.
FAQs
1) Is Prostacel a steroid or hormone therapy? No. Alprostadil is a prostaglandin (PGE1). It acts like a signaling molecule in the body and is not an anabolic steroid or testosterone-type hormone. 2) Can Prostacel be used for erectile dysfunction as-is? Usually no. Erectile dysfunction treatment with alprostadil typically uses much smaller, specially prepared doses and different administration methods. A prescriber must select the correct product and dose. 3) What should I do if I notice particles or discoloration in the solution? Do not use it. Injectable medications should be clear and free of visible particles unless labeling states otherwise. A pharmacist or clinician should replace and re-prepare the dose. 4) Does alprostadil affect lab tests? It can affect vital signs and clinical parameters (such as blood pressure and oxygenation). If you mean routine lab panels, it is best to ask the clinical team since the baby's condition and other treatments matter. 5) Is this medication considered a cure for congenital heart defects? No. It is typically a temporary supportive treatment to stabilize circulation until a procedure or surgery can address the underlying heart condition.| size | 1 Injection, 3 Injection/s, 6 Injection/s |
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