Prostaglandin Options: What They Do and Which One Fits

Prostaglandins are a group of naturally occurring compounds your body uses to control inflammation, blood flow, and muscle contractions. Medicine-makers copy or tweak them to treat very different problems—from glaucoma to labor, to erectile dysfunction. Knowing the main options helps you spot what’s right for a condition and when you must see a clinician.

Common prostaglandin medicines and how they’re used

Misoprostol (oral or vaginal) is often used to protect the stomach from ulcers caused by NSAIDs, and also to soften the cervix or induce labor in a hospital setting. It can cause cramping and diarrhea and can trigger abortion if used in early pregnancy without supervision. Dinoprostone (gel or insert) is another cervical ripening agent used by clinicians to start labor; it’s applied in the cervix or vagina and requires monitoring for strong contractions.

Eye drop prostaglandin analogs like latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost lower eye pressure for glaucoma. Their side effects usually include mild eye redness, darker eyelashes, and slight iris color change over time. Alprostadil is a prostaglandin used for erectile dysfunction (injection or urethral pellet) and to keep a newborn’s ductus arteriosus open before heart surgery. Prostaglandin analogs for pulmonary hypertension (epoprostenol, treprostinil) are given IV or by inhalation and need specialist care because they affect blood pressure and cause flushing or jaw pain.

Practical safety tips and what to watch for

Always use prostaglandins under a prescriber's instructions. Some types—especially those used for labor or pulmonary hypertension—need hospital monitoring or specialist follow-up. Store medications as directed: many eye drops and injectables require refrigeration or protection from light.

Watch for key red flags: very strong uterine cramps or heavy bleeding with misoprostol/dinoprostone, sudden chest pain or severe shortness of breath with pulmonary prostacyclins, or severe penile pain or prolonged erection after alprostadil. If you see these, seek urgent care.

Drug interactions matter. Drugs that affect platelet function or blood pressure can change prostaglandin effects. NSAIDs lower natural prostaglandin production, which can alter symptoms and sometimes reduce inflammation-related benefits. Tell your provider about all meds and supplements you take.

Where you get prostaglandin medicines matters. Use licensed pharmacies and ask for clear instructions. Avoid unverified online sources; counterfeit products are a real risk with specialized drugs.

If you’re unsure which prostaglandin is right, ask a clinician what outcome you need (lower eye pressure, ripen a cervix, treat ED, protect the stomach) and what monitoring will look like. That way you get the benefit without unnecessary risk.