About alprostadil
Prostaglandin E1 vasodilator
Used for
- Keeps the ductus arteriosus open in newborns with certain congenital heart defects before surgery or other treatment.
Usual dose in children
Newborns: usually start at 0.05–0.1 micrograms/kg/min by continuous intravenous infusion; adjust to response.
Common side effects
- Apnea or slowed breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Flushing or fever
- Slow heart rate
Important warnings
- Use only in a hospital with continuous monitoring and breathing support available.
- Apnea is more likely in newborns weighing under 2 kg.
- Longer treatment may weaken bones or cause stomach outlet thickening.
- The infusion must be prepared and administered by trained clinicians.
Pregnancy
Not applicable for this newborn use; safety during pregnancy is not established.
Breastfeeding
Not applicable for this newborn use.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.