In
late 1980's, many papers were published on the
potential of Alprostadil (prostaglandin E1)
in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction.
Since then the compound has been recognized as an
important pharmacological agent for this
indication.
The
demand for Alprostadil is expected to increase
significantly resulting from this new use. Many
are still under development for various means of
application, including injection, topical (transdermal
or intraurethral), and needle-less injection.
Alprostadil is
safer than phosphodiesterase type five (PDE5)
inhibitor such as sildenafil (ViagraR),
especially for patients with cardiovascular
disease 7.
Pharmacology
A wide variety of pharmacological
effects of Alprostadil are vasodilation,
inhibition of platelet aggregation, and
stimulation of intestinal and uterine smooth
muscle. Alprostadil induces erection by relaxation
of trabecular smooth muscle and by dilation of
cavernosal arteries.
In vitro, Alprostadil has been
shown to cause dose-dependent smooth muscle
relaxation in isolated corpus cavernosum and
corpus spongiosum preparations.
In human studies using Doppler duplex
ultrasonography, administration of Alprostadil
resulted in an increase in peak systolic flow
velocities.
Applications
1. Cardiovascular disorders
Maintaining the patency of the ductus arteriosus
in neonates with congenital heart disease until
surgery is possible2.
2. Peripheral
vascular disease
Alprostadil can be administered by intra-arterial
or intravenous infusion3.
3. Erectile
Dysfunction
Intracavernous injection4, intra-urethral
application5 and non-invasive delivery systems
including topical and needle-less applications6.
Proprietary Names
BefarR, CaverjectR, EdexR, LipleR, MinprogR, MUSER,
PalusR, ProstandinR, ProstavasinR, ProstinR VR,
ProstineR VR, ProstivasR, SutineR, TopiglanR.
References
1)
Script No. 2431 April 23rd 1999 p24
2) Silove ED, et al. Arch Dis Child 1985; 60: 1025-30
3) Martin MFR and Tooke JE, ibid. 1982; 285: 1688
4)
Ishii N, et al. J Urol (Baltimore) 1988; 141: 323-5
5)
Padma-Nathan H, et al. J N Engl J Med 1997; 336: 1-7
6)
Watkinson AC, et al. Int J Pharm 1992; 83: 171-175
7) Cohen
JS. Ann Pharmacother. 2001 ; 35 (3) : 285-8.
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Categories
|
Products |
Applications |
|
Prostaglandins |
PG E1
|
Treatment of
cardiovascular diseases |
|
PG E2
|
Labor induction
|
|
PG I2
|
Treatment of primary
pulmonary hypertension
|
|
Misoprostol/
Misoprostol HPMC |
Treatment of peptic
and duodenal ulcers caused by the use of NSAIDs
|
|
Latanoprost |
Treatment of Glaucoma |
|
Bimatoprost |
Treatment of Glaucoma |
|
Travoprost |
Treatment of Glaucoma |
|
Cloprostenol Sodium
(racemate)/(+) |
Labor induction and
breeding management in veterinary |
|
Cardiovascular API |
Felodipine
|
Anti-hypertensive
and treatment of congestive heart failure
|