What is Caverject?
Caverject is an injectable medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. These drugs work by relaxing the muscles in the penis and increasing blood flow, which leads to an erection.
Caverject is injected into the side of the penis using a special needle and syringe. It can be self-injected or given by a healthcare provider. Caverject starts working within 5 to 15 minutes, and its effects last for 30 to 60 minutes.
Health Benefits
Caverject is used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can improve sexual function in men with various types of ED, including:
– organic ED, which is caused by physical problems like poor blood flow or nerve damage
– psychogenic ED, which is caused by psychological factors like stress or anxiety
– mixed ED, which is caused by both physical and psychological factors
Caverject has also been shown to be effective in treating:
– Peyronie’s disease, a condition that causes the penis to bend or curve abnormally
– priapism, a rare condition that causes painful, prolonged erections
Side Effects and Risks
The most common side effects of Caverject include:
– pain or bruising at the injection site
– erection lasting longer than 4 hours
– priapism (painful, prolonged erection)
Other potential side effects include:
– dizziness
– headache
– flushing
– nausea or vomiting
– changes in vision
– rash
These side effects are typically mild and temporary. However, priapism is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If not treated, it can lead to permanent tissue damage and impotence. Mixing Caverject with alcohol can also increase the risk of priapism.
Caverject should not be used by people with certain medical conditions, including:
– heart disease or coronary artery disease
– uncontrolled high blood pressure
– history of stroke or heart attack
– liver disease
– kidney disease
– blood clotting disorders
Caverject is also not recommended for people who are allergic to alprostadil or any other ingredients in the drug.
To reduce the risk of side effects, Caverject should be used at the lowest effective dose. It should also be injected into the side of the penis, not the base or shaft. The injection site should be changed each time to avoid scar tissue buildup.
Dosages of Caverject
Caverject is available in two different strengths, 20 mcg and 40 mcg. The recommended dose for most men is 20 mcg, injected into the side of the penis about 5-15 minutes before sexual activity.
Interactions
Caverject may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Caverject should be used only when prescribed. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Examples of medications that may interact with Caverject include:
– blood pressure medications
– heart rhythm medications
– HIV/AIDS medications
– certain antifungals
– ritonavir
This is not a complete list of interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action for Caverject is not fully understood. However, it is thought to work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis, which allows for increased blood flow and an erection.
Caverject is a prescription medication that is injected into the penis prior to sexual activity. It should only be used as needed and not more than three times per week.Caution should be used when using Caverject with other medications that can cause low blood pressure, such as alpha blockers or nitrates.
Pharmacokinetics
Caverject is rapidly absorbed from the site of injection, reaching maximum concentration in about 5 minutes. The mean half-life is about 45 minutes. Caverject is excreted primarily in the urine as unchanged drug and metabolites.
