Also known as: Prostaglandin E1, PGE1, Caverject, Edex, Muse
Erectile dysfunction (intracavernosal or intraurethral) and neonatal patent ductus arteriosus maintenance
Amount
5-20 mcg intracavernosal (ED); 250-500 mcg intraurethral (MUSE); 0.05-0.1 mcg/kg/min IV (PDA)
Frequency
As needed, max 3 times/week intracavernosal; max 2 times/24h intraurethral; continuous IV for PDA
Duration
Ongoing as needed for ED; until surgical correction for PDA
Step-wise Titration
Route
IMSchedule
As needed, max 3 times/week intracavernosal; max 2 times/24h intraurethral; continuous IV for PDA
Timing
As needed before sexual activity (ED); continuous infusion (PDA)
Duration
Ongoing as needed for ED; until surgical correction for PDA
Repeatable
Yes
Diluent: D5W or normal saline
Storage: Caverject lyophilized powder: store at or below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Reconstituted solution: use within 24 hours; do not refrigerate or freeze. Edex: store at or below 25 degrees C; reconstituted solution should be used within 24 hours. MUSE: refrigerate at 2-8 degrees C (36-46 degrees F); may be kept at room temperature (up to 30 degrees C) for up to 14 days before use. Prostin VR Pediatric: refrigerate at 2-8 degrees C; diluted solution may be used for up to 24 hours.
Blood pressure
When: Baseline
Why: Baseline cardiovascular status; alprostadil can cause hypotension
CBC
When: Baseline
Why: General health baseline
Coagulation studies
When: Baseline
Why: Assess bleeding risk for injection
Blood pressure
When: During and 30 min after IV infusion
Why: Monitor for hypotension
Get free access to all content plus biweekly research updates.
150+ peptide profiles ยท 30+ comparisons ยท 18 research tools
Alprostadil is a synthetic form of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a naturally occurring lipid mediator found in seminal fluid and vascular tissues. Although not a peptide, alprostadil is included here due to its relevance in vascular therapeutics and its frequent use alongside peptide-based therapies in clinical research.
First approved by the FDA in 1981 for neonatal use and in 1995 for erectile dysfunction, alprostadil is one of the most well-characterized vasodilators in clinical medicine. It is available as Caverject and Edex (intracavernosal injection) and MUSE (intraurethral suppository).
Alprostadil exerts its effects primarily through binding to EP2 and EP4 prostanoid receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells. This activates adenylate cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations, which leads to smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.
Unlike peptide therapeutics, alprostadil is a 20-carbon oxygenated fatty acid derived from dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA). Its structure features a cyclopentane ring with hydroxyl groups at C-11 and C-15, a C-13 trans double bond, and a ketone at C-9, characteristic of the E-series prostaglandins.
Alprostadil has decades of clinical evidence supporting its use in multiple vascular conditions. Meta-analyses of intracavernosal injection report erectile response rates of 70-90% in men with erectile dysfunction of various etiologies. In critical limb ischemia, intravenous alprostadil has demonstrated improvements in rest pain, ulcer healing, and limb salvage rates in randomized controlled trials.
Efficacy and safety of intracavernosal alprostadil in men with erectile dysfunction, published in New England Journal of Medicine (Linet OI and Ogrinc FG, 1996; PMID: 8596569):
Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, crossover study of the efficacy and safety of MUSE (medicated urethral system for erection) in men with erectile dysfunction, published in New England Journal of Medicine (Padma-Nathan H et al., 1997; PMID: 8970933):
Treatment of erectile dysfunction with prostaglandin E1: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response study, published in Journal of Urology (Porst H, 1996; PMID: 8583582):
We summarize new studies, safety updates, and dosing insights โ delivered biweekly.
See real-world usage patterns alongside the clinical evidence above. Community-sourced, not clinically verified.
Based on 60+ community reports
View community protocolsBPC-157: Gastric-derived healing peptide guide. Covers tissue repair mechanisms, gut-brain axis effects, tendon and GI healing research, and dosing.
Enlicitide decanoate (MK-0616): first oral macrocyclic peptide PCSK9 inhibitor. Phase 3 CORALreef trials show 56-59% LDL-C reduction. Merck FDA filing expected 2026.
Hexarelin: Dual-action GH secretagogue with cardioprotective effects. Covers GHS-R1a and CD36 binding, potent GH release, dosing, and side effects.
SS-31 (Elamipretide): Cardiolipin-targeting mitochondrial peptide. Covers Barth syndrome Phase 3 data, heart failure research, dosing, and trial results.
This website is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
Related content you may find interesting
