Neupedix (Alprostadil)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Neupedix Used For?
Neupedix is a specialized medication used in newborn babies to help with certain heart conditions. It contains alprostadil, which belongs to a group of medicines called vasodilators.
Primary Uses
Neupedix is used to temporarily keep a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus open after a child is born. This blood vessel normally closes soon after birth, but in babies born with heart defects, it needs to stay open longer so enough blood can reach the rest of the body.
How It Works
As a vasodilator, Neupedix works by keeping blood vessels open. Once the child’s heart defect has been fixed or treated, they usually won’t need Neupedix anymore, and the blood vessel should close naturally.
Good to know: Treatment is temporary – once your child’s heart condition is treated, they typically won’t need this medication anymore.
How to Take Neupedix
Neupedix is only given by qualified medical staff in a hospital setting. It requires specialized facilities and skilled personnel for safe administration.
Dosage Instructions
Your child’s doctor will decide the exact dose. Neupedix is diluted and given by continuous infusion into the bloodstream. Treatment generally lasts no more than 2-3 days at a time and is given for the shortest time possible. Treatment courses may be repeated if needed and usually starts within 4 days after birth.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Neupedix is given by medical professionals in a hospital, there’s no risk of missing doses. Your child’s treatment will be carefully monitored and managed by the medical team.
Important: Your child’s blood pressure will be closely monitored while receiving Neupedix. Hospital facilities for immediate intubation and long-term ventilation must be available.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Flushing
- Swelling
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Low potassium in the blood
- Infections
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Slow or fast heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Increased blood clotting
- Temporarily stopping breathing
- Fits or convulsions
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before your child can receive Neupedix. Some medical conditions prevent its use entirely.
Who Should Not Take Neupedix
Children must not be given Neupedix if they have: a blue appearance of the skin, lips and nails due to poor blood flow through the lungs, or abnormal blood flow between the lungs and the heart. Also, do not use if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to Neupedix or any of its ingredients.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if your child has: a history of bleeding tendencies, or breathing problems where the lungs have difficulty holding in air (respiratory distress syndrome). Also inform the doctor about any other medical conditions and medicines your child is taking.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This medication is specifically for newborn babies, so pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations apply to the mother’s use of other medications during this time.
Contains Alcohol: Neupedix contains alcohol (ethanol). Your doctor will take this into account when deciding to give this medicine to your baby.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Neupedix and affect how it works. It’s important to tell your medical team about all medications.
- Tell your doctor about any medicines your child is taking for any other condition
- Include all medicines, vitamins or supplements
- Inform about any prescription or over-the-counter medications
Alcohol & Driving
Since Neupedix is given to newborn babies in a hospital setting, alcohol and driving considerations don’t apply to the patient directly.
Alcohol
The medication contains alcohol (ethanol), which your doctor considers when prescribing to your baby.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Not applicable for newborn patients receiving this medication in hospital.
Storage
Neupedix will be stored by hospital staff in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Unused ampoules are kept refrigerated and must not be frozen. After dilution, the solution should be used as soon as possible. If storage after dilution is necessary, store below 25°C for no more than 24 hours. Any solution more than 24 hours old should be discarded.
Overdose Information
Overdose is unlikely since treatment is given by trained medical personnel. However, if you think your child may have received too much Neupedix, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neupedix is generally not given for more than 2-3 days at a time. It’s given for the shortest time possible to treat your child properly, though treatment courses may be repeated if needed.
Treatment will usually start within 4 days after birth for babies who need this medication.
Your child will receive Neupedix in a hospital setting because it requires specialized facilities, skilled medical personnel, and the availability of immediate intubation and long-term ventilation if needed.
Neupedix is diluted and given by continuous infusion into the bloodstream by a doctor, nurse, or other trained medical professional. Your child’s blood pressure will be closely monitored during treatment.
For less serious side effects like flushing, swelling, or fever, speak to your doctor if they worry you. For serious side effects like breathing problems, heart rate changes, or convulsions, call your doctor straight away or go to the Emergency Department immediately.
No, once your child’s heart defect has been fixed or treated, they usually won’t need Neupedix anymore, and the blood vessel should close naturally.
Yes, Neupedix contains alcohol (ethanol). Your doctor will take this into account when deciding to give this medicine to your baby.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.