What are the contraindications of alprostadil injection?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Contraindications for Alprostadil Injection mainly include: patients allergic to this product, those with severe heart failure, patients with glaucoma, individuals with severe coagulation disorders, and pregnant or lactating women. This medication is a prescription drug and must be used precisely under a physician's guidance according to the patient's condition. Prior to administration, patients must provide their doctor with a detailed medical and medication history.
Contraindications for alprostadil injection mainly include: patients allergic to this product, those with severe heart failure, glaucoma patients, individuals with severe coagulation disorders, and pregnant or lactating women. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Allergic individuals: Some people may be allergic to alprostadil or excipients in the formulation. Administration may easily trigger allergic reactions such as rash, itching, and laryngeal edema; severe cases can lead to anaphylactic shock. These individuals must absolutely avoid using the drug to prevent life-threatening risks.
2. Patients with severe heart failure: This medication has vasodilatory effects that reduce peripheral vascular resistance, potentially decreasing venous return and increasing the burden on cardiac pumping. In patients with already severely impaired cardiac function, administration may induce acute heart failure.
3. Glaucoma patients: Alprostadil may affect aqueous humor circulation in the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure. Since glaucoma patients already have abnormal regulation of eye pressure, taking this drug could worsen their condition, resulting in rapid vision loss, intensified eye pain, and even irreversible optic nerve damage.
4. Individuals with severe coagulation disorders: The drug inhibits platelet aggregation and prolongs clotting time. Those with severe coagulation dysfunction already have poor hemostatic capacity; use of this medication further increases bleeding risk, possibly causing skin bruising, gum bleeding, or even serious complications like internal organ hemorrhage.
5. Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Alprostadil may stimulate uterine contractions. Use during early pregnancy may cause miscarriage, while use in the second or third trimester may lead to premature labor. The drug can also be excreted in breast milk, entering the infant’s body during lactation and potentially causing unknown adverse effects on the baby's growth and development.
This is a prescription medication and must be used precisely under a physician’s guidance based on the patient’s specific condition. Before administration, patients should fully inform their doctor about their medical history and prior medication use. During treatment, heart rate, blood pressure, and coagulation function should be closely monitored to ensure safe use, and dosage adjustments must not be made without medical supervision.
