Alprostadil

(al PROS ta dill)

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection.

Pharmacologic Category

• Prostaglandin
• Vasodilator

What key warnings should I know about before giving this medicine to my child?

• Your baby may have pauses in his/her breathing especially if very small at birth. Healthcare providers will be watching your baby's breathing closely.

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to alprostadil or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Not if your child has any of the following conditions: Hyaline membrane disease or respiratory distress syndrome.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to keep the wall inside the heart open in newborns before surgery.

How does this medicine work?

• Alprostadil relaxes blood vessels and muscles in the heart.

How is this medicine given?

• This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• This medicine starts working as soon as it is given.
• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this medicine.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Low blood pressure.
• Flushing.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Long pauses between breaths.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Your child will be monitored closely by healthcare provider.
• For the occurrence of side effects.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child has difficulty breathing.
• If your child has unusual bruising or bleeding.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• This medicine will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear allergy identification at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

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