Alprostadil

This form:

Pronounced

"al-PROS-ta-dil"

Common brand names:

Caverject

Uses

This medication is used to treat male sexual function problems (erectile dysfunction). It works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection.

This medication is not for use in women or children.

This medication is not recommended for use in men with penile implants.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Learn all preparation and usage instructions. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into the penis as directed by your doctor. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site with each dose to avoid problem areas under the skin. Choose an injection site on the other side of the penis from the site of the last dose, using a different area each time. After injection, apply pressure to the injection site with an alcohol swab for about 5 minutes to avoid bruising. Do not use a bent needle to inject this medication. If the needle is bent, replace it with a new needle. If the needle breaks during injection, contact your doctor right away.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication should usually work within 5 to 20 minutes to produce an erection that lasts for about 1 hour. The manufacturer recommends that this medication be used no more than 3 times a week with at least 1 day between each dose.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse (for example, if the drug does not produce an erection or it becomes more difficult to get an erection).

Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.