Alprostadil dosage

Intracavernosal alprostadil acts rapidly with an onset of 5 to 15 minutes. The duration of action is dose related and, within the usual dosage range, lasts less than 1 hour. 

Intracavernosal injection should be made into one corpus cavernosum only. From this injection site, the drug will reach the other corpus cavernosum through vascular communications between the two corpora. Alprostadil acts rapidly, with an onset in 5 to 15 minutes. The duration is directly related to the dose, and within the usual dosage range of 2.5 to 20 meg, the duration of the erection lasts no more than 1 hour. Local enzymes in the corpora cavernosum quickly metabolize alprostadil. Any alprostadil that escapes into the systemic circulation is deactivated on first passage through the lungs. Hence the plasma half-life of alprostadil is approximately 1 minute. Also, dose modification is not necessary in patients with renal or hepatic diseases. 

Once the optimal dosage of intracavernosal alprostadil is established, the patient should return for routine medical follow-up every 3 to 6 months. Some patients may subsequently require dosage adjustment, and this is largely attributed to worsening of the underlying disease that is contributing to the erectile dysfunction. 

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