Prostin VR (Alprostadil)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Prostin VR Used For?
Prostin VR is a specialized medication used in newborn babies to help with certain heart conditions. It works by keeping an important blood vessel open that normally closes after birth.
Primary Uses
Prostin VR is used to keep a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus open temporarily after your child is born. This is essential for some children born with heart defects, as it allows blood to flow properly around their body until their heart condition can be treated. Normally, this blood vessel closes soon after birth, but some babies need it to stay open longer.
How It Works
The active ingredient alprostadil works as a prostaglandin that prevents the ductus arteriosus from closing. Once your child’s heart defect is treated, Prostin VR is usually no longer needed and the blood vessel should close naturally.
Good to know: Treatment usually starts within 4 days after birth and is given for the shortest time possible to treat your child properly.
How Prostin VR Is Given
Prostin VR is only administered by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital setting, typically in the newborn intensive care unit.
Administration Method
Prostin VR is diluted and given by continuous infusion (as a slow drip) directly into the bloodstream. Your child’s breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure will be closely monitored throughout treatment.
Treatment Duration
Prostin VR is generally not given for more than 2-3 days at a time. Your child’s doctor will decide the exact dose needed. Treatment courses may be repeated if necessary.
Important: This medication should only be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals trained in the care of children.
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
- pauses in breathing (apnea) or wheezing
- fever
- slow or fast heart rate
- swelling
- diarrhea
- stiffness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- fits or convulsions
- bruising or uncontrolled bleeding
- low volume of urine or blood in urine or stool
- heart problems including heart attack
- infections
- low blood pressure
- problems with blood including low blood cells, low or high potassium
- low blood sugar
- problems with lungs, kidneys (including kidney failure), digestive system and certain bones
- low body temperature
- excessive irritability
- breathing problems
- unusual extension of the neck
Important Warnings
There are certain conditions where Prostin VR should not be used, and others that require special monitoring.
Who Should Not Receive Prostin VR
Children with a blue appearance of the skin, lips and nails due to poor blood flow through the lungs, or those with abnormal or unusual blood flow between the lungs and the heart should not receive this medication.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if your child has a history of bleeding tendencies or a breathing problem where the lungs have difficulty holding in air (respiratory distress syndrome). During treatment, your child will be closely monitored for certain side effects.
Drug Interactions
The source material does not provide specific information about drug interactions with Prostin VR.
Storage
Prostin VR will be stored under the correct conditions in the hospital by healthcare professionals.
Overdose Information
Overdose is unlikely as treatment is given by trained healthcare professionals and your child will be closely monitored during treatment. Your doctor has information on how to recognize and treat an overdose. The possible side effects of overdose are the same as the regular side effects, particularly fever and flushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prostin VR is generally not given for more than 2-3 days at a time. It will be given for the shortest time possible to treat your child properly, and treatment courses may be repeated if necessary.
Treatment usually starts within 4 days after birth for babies who need this medication.
Your child will be closely monitored by healthcare professionals. You should inform your child’s doctor or nurse straight away if you notice flushing, breathing problems, fever, changes in heart rate, swelling, diarrhea, fits, bleeding, or stiffness.
Prostin VR is only given in a hospital setting, usually in the newborn intensive care unit, under the supervision of healthcare professionals trained in caring for children.
Your child’s breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure will be closely monitored while Prostin VR is being given. Healthcare professionals will also watch for any signs of side effects.
Yes, treatment courses with Prostin VR may be repeated more than once if your child’s doctor determines it is necessary.
Inform your child’s doctor or nurse straight away if you notice any concerning symptoms. After receiving medical advice, you can also report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online.
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.