It has various effects in the body that include opening blood vessels, relaxing smooth muscle, inhibiting clotting, and causing uterine contractions.

[2][4] In infants with certain congenital heart defects, alprostadil is delivered by slow injection into a vein to maintain a patent ductus arteriosus until surgery can be carried out.

[5] Common side effects when given to babies include decreased breathing, fever, and low blood pressure.

The ductus arteriosus is a shortcut between the aorta and pulmonary artery, two large vessels branching off the heart.

In babies with certain congenital defects, however, it's essential to keep the ductus arteriosus open to ensure at least some blood flow throughout the body.

The medication relaxes smooth muscle and allows the arteries in the corpus cavernosum of the penis to dilate.

[8][15] Misoprostol is also used to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), or uncontrolled bleeding following childbirth.

The World Health Organization estimates that PPH causes 70,000 maternal deaths each year.

This shrinking puts pressure on blood vessels on the uterus, forcing them to close rather than continue to bleed.

It increases the production of gastric mucus, which forms a protective coating against stomach acid.

Finally, misoprostol encourages the production of bicarbonate, which is a base that counteracts stomach acid.

[7] The medication can also protect against stomach ulcers in people who take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen on a daily basis.

[22] In rare cases, it may lead to uterine rupture, which requires immediate emergency surgery.

[23] Preventative administration of alprostadil may reduce the risk of kidney injury (specifically contrast-induced nephropathy) in persons having cardiac angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention.

[9] Common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.