Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Caverject (ALPROSTADIL)

Caverject (ALPROSTADIL) is a prostaglandin analog, a small molecule targeting the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP3 subtype. Originally developed by Pharmacia and Upjohn, it was acquired by Pfizer and approved by the FDA in 1981 for various indications, including impotence. The drug is off-patent, with multiple generic manufacturers available. Key safety considerations include its short half-life of 1.9 hours and moderate bioavailability of 15%. Caverject is used to treat a range of cardiovascular conditions and erectile dysfunction.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Aorta Dextratransposition with Intact Ventricular Septum
• Coarctation of aorta
• Congenital Heart Defect Requiring Open Patent Ductus Arteriosus
• Congenital atresia of the pulmonary valve
• Congenital atresia of tricuspid valve
• Ebstein's anomaly of tricuspid valve
• Impotence
• Pulmonary artery stenosis
• Tetralogy of Fallot

Boxed warnings

• WARNING Apnea is experienced by about 10 to 12% of neonates with congenital heart defects treated with alprostadil injection. Apnea is most often seen in neonates weighing less than 2 kg at birth and usually appears during the first hour of drug infusion. Therefore, respiratory status should be monitored throughout treatment, and alprostadil injection should be used where ventilatory assistance is immediately available.

Common side effects

• Apnea
• Fever
• Seizures
• Flushing
• Bradycardia
• Hypotension
• Tachycardia
• Cardiac arrest
• Edema
• Diarrhea
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• Sepsis

Drug interactions

• penicillin
• gentamicin
• dopamine
• isoproterenol
• cardiac glycosides
• furosemide

Key clinical trials

• The Anifrolumab PRIM Program
• Creation of a Scale for Assessing Pain and Discomfort in Extremely Premature Infants (EDEX) Hospitalised in Neonatal Intensive Care, Inspired by the Early Infant Pain and Discomfort Scale (EDIN)
• Feasibility Evaluation of the Muse Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound System (EARLY_PHASE1)
• Prospective Registry Investigating Maternal and Infant Outcomes in Anifrolumab Users
• Continuous Music and Sports Training for Children (NA)
• Laminaria Japonicum Followed by Misoprostol Versus Misoprostol Alone for Mid-Trimester Abortion Induction in Scarred Uterus (PHASE4)
• Safety and Outcomes of MUSE Stem Cell Therapy in Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions for OCD (NA)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.