Prostaglandin E1
(Redirected from Prostin VR)
Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), also known as alprostadil, is a naturally occurring prostaglandin which is used as a medication. In its pharmaceutical form, it is used to treat erectile dysfunction and in newborns with congenital heart defects, it is used to maintain a patent ductus arteriosus until corrective surgery can be performed. This article provides an overview of the structure, function, and clinical applications of PGE1.
Structure and Function[edit | edit source]
Prostaglandin E1 is a member of the prostaglandin family, which are lipid compounds that perform hormone-like actions in various parts of the body. PGE1 is synthesized from diacylglycerol (DAG) through a series of enzymatic reactions involving cyclooxygenase (COX) and prostaglandin E synthase. It has a wide range of physiological effects, including vasodilation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and modulation of inflammation.
Clinical Applications[edit | edit source]
Erectile Dysfunction[edit | edit source]
PGE1 is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is administered through injection into the penis or as a urethral suppository. PGE1 works by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue in the penis, which enhances blood flow and enables an erection.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus[edit | edit source]
In neonatology, PGE1 is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open in newborns with certain types of congenital heart defects. This temporary measure allows for proper oxygenation of the body until surgical intervention can correct the heart defect.
Other Uses[edit | edit source]
PGE1 has been investigated for use in treating other conditions, such as critical limb ischemia, where its vasodilatory properties can improve blood flow to affected limbs. However, its use in these areas is less common and not as well established.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
The administration of PGE1 can lead to various side effects, including hypotension, fever, and flushing. In the context of erectile dysfunction treatment, priapism (a prolonged erection) is a potential risk. When used in newborns, careful monitoring is required to manage potential complications such as respiratory distress syndrome.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Prostaglandin E1 is a versatile medication with significant applications in both adult and neonatal medicine. Its role in managing erectile dysfunction and congenital heart defects highlights the importance of prostaglandins in therapeutic interventions. Ongoing research continues to explore the potential of PGE1 and related compounds in treating a broader range of conditions.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD