Definition

A type of medication that helps widen blood vessels and is mainly used to treat problems with getting or maintaining an erection.

Example

The doctor prescribed alprostadil to help with his erectile dysfunction.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of alprostadil?

Yeah, I think it's used for treating erectile dysfunction, right?

Exactly! I read that it helps with blood flow.

That makes sense, it's interesting how medications work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Alprostadil is derived from "al-" (a prefix used in chemical nomenclature) and "prostaglandin" (from Greek "prosta" meaning 'near' and "gland" from Latin "glandula" meaning 'gland'). The term refers to a synthetic form of prostaglandin E1, which is used in medical treatments, particularly for erectile dysfunction and maintaining patent ductus arteriosus in newborns.

Memory Tip

Think of 'al-' as a chemical prefix and 'prostaglandin' as a substance that works 'near' glands in the body, helping to remember that alprostadil is a synthetic version of a natural compound that affects bodily functions.

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