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NCI Drug Dictionary


alprostadil 
The naturally occuring prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) which displays a variety of pharmacologic actions. Alprostadil is a potent vasodilator agent that increases peripheral blood flow, inhibits platelet aggregation, and induces bronchodilation. Used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, this agent produces corporal smooth muscle relaxation by binding to PGE receptors, resulting in the activation of adenylate cyclase and the subsequent accumulation of 3'5'-cAMP. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)
Synonym:prostaglandin E1
US brand names:Caverject
MUSE
Abbreviation:PGE1
Chemical structure:(11alpha,13E,15S)-11,15-dihydroxy-9-oxoprost-13-en-1-oic acid