Alprostadil Injection (Ductus Arteriosus Patency)
What is this medication?
ALPROSTADIL (al PROS ta dil) treats congenital heart conditions. It works by keeping a fetal blood vessel in the heart open before surgery. This helps the body increase blood flow and the amount of oxygen that gets to the tissues.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
How should I use this medication?
This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
- Slow heartbeat—pale, blue or purple skin or lips, unusual weakness or fatigue, cold arms or legs
- Trouble breathing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Bleeding disorder
- Bowel blockage
- Lung or breathing disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to alprostadil, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breastfeeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
