Alprostadil

Prostin VR is used to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus in neonates with ductal-dependent congenital heart defects, including pulmonary atresia, critical pulmonary stenosis, tricuspid atresia, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic arch interruption. It serves as a bridge to surgical correction or palliation.

Alprostadil, the active ingredient in Prostin VR, is a prostaglandin E1 analog that relaxes vascular smooth muscle. It acts directly on the ductus arteriosus to keep this fetal blood vessel open, allowing blood to bypass the lungs and circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body in infants whose survival depends on ductal patency.

Prostin VR must be administered in a hospital setting with continuous monitoring, typically in an intensive care unit. Common adverse effects include apnea, fever, flushing, hypotension, and bradycardia. Careful dose titration is required, and therapy should be initiated at the lowest effective dose. Once therapeutic response is achieved, the minimum effective dose should be used. The medication is discontinued after surgical repair or when the infant's condition stabilizes.