Prostin VR (Alprostadil)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Prostin VR Used For?
Prostin VR is a medication that helps keep a specific blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, open temporarily after birth. This is crucial for some newborns with heart defects to ensure adequate blood flow until their condition can be treated.
Primary Uses
Used to maintain the ductus arteriosus open in newborns with certain heart defects.
How It Works
Prostin VR works by preventing the closure of the ductus arteriosus, allowing blood to flow properly in infants with specific heart conditions.
Good to know: Prostin VR is not addictive.
Continue Reading
Sign in to access the complete medication guide including dosage, side effects, warnings, and more.
How to Take Prostin VR
Prostin VR should only be administered by trained healthcare professionals in a controlled setting, such as a neonatal intensive care unit.
Dosage Instructions
The dosage of Prostin VR will be determined by your child's doctor. It is typically administered as a continuous infusion and not usually given for more than 2-3 days.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Prostin VR is administered in a hospital setting, missed doses are managed by healthcare professionals.
Important: Never attempt to double the dose if a dose is missed; this will be managed by medical staff.
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)
- wheezing
- fever
- slow or fast heart rate
- swelling
- diarrhea
- fits or convulsions
- bruising or uncontrolled bleeding
- low volume of urine or blood in urine or stool
- stiffness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- heart problems including heart attack
- infections
- low blood pressure
- problems with blood including low blood cells or potassium
- low blood sugar
- problems with lungs, kidneys, digestive system, and bones
- low body temperature
- excessive irritability
- breathing problems
- unusual extension of the neck
Important Warnings
It is essential to be aware of certain warnings before starting treatment with Prostin VR.
Who Should Not Take Prostin VR
Prostin VR should not be given to children with a blue appearance of the skin due to poor blood flow through the lungs or abnormal blood flow between the lungs and heart.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss any history of bleeding tendencies or respiratory distress syndrome with your child's doctor before treatment.
Drug Interactions
There are no specific drug interactions mentioned in the source.
Alcohol & Driving
There are no specific warnings regarding alcohol consumption or driving while taking Prostin VR.
Storage
Prostin VR is stored under specific conditions in the hospital to ensure its effectiveness.
Overdose Information
Overdose is unlikely as Prostin VR is administered by trained professionals. However, symptoms may include fever and flushing. Immediate medical attention is required if an overdose is suspected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prostin VR starts working immediately to keep the ductus arteriosus open after administration.
Prostin VR is administered in a hospital setting and is not taken with food.
No, Prostin VR is not considered addictive.
Prostin VR is typically used for a short duration under medical supervision, so stopping treatment should be managed by healthcare professionals.
There are no specific warnings regarding alcohol consumption while taking Prostin VR.
The source does not provide specific information regarding the safety of Prostin VR in elderly patients.
Missed doses will be managed by healthcare professionals in the hospital setting.
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.